Mango Jerk Cornish Hens is a twist to your favorite Jerk Chicken Recipe. Bringing a Caribbean flare to your kitchen in no time. Full of spice, warmth and a sticky vibe that you will only understand once you try it. Grilled over a gas grill or if you feeling a bit bold, charcoal will give it a deep smoky flavor you’ll love. I’m at it again, delivering from my kitchen to yours. Take it for a spin and make it your recipe. There is no right or wrong way to do it. There is only what you put into it that will make it perfect.

Cornish Hens were a favorite mealtime in my household when my kids were growing up. With a family of 7, it was cost efficient, succulent and full of flavor. Don’t let these little birds fool you. They are juicy and hold up to any of your favorite Chicken Recipes. They can be baked, fried, roasted or grilled and deliver a quick meal in no time. The only problem you can encounter is needing make extra because they are small in size but big in flavor. Which simply means more the merrier.

No idea how these little birds got pushed away out of my kitchen. but they are back and on fire! Slathered in a spicy sweet Mango BBQ sauce bringing heat and sweetness to every bite. I paired this with some Corn and the Cob and my favorite side Salad rendering a flavorful but lite meal any day of the week.

Let’s give a spin on Mango Jerk Cornish Hens and get started with this simple but delicious meal. Ready in no time delivering just enough heat to warm your pallet and fill your stomach. Get your music started, your love of cooking vibing and your soul grooving because your Grill time starts now!

Mango Jerk Cornish Hens

Grilled Cornish Hens slathered in Jerk Seasoning and Mango BBQ Sauce
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Zip Lock Bag
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Basting Brush

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 2 Cornish Hens Cleaned and using sharp knife or scissors, remove the backbone. Flatten out by pushing down with your hands. Pat dry with paper towels.

Produce/Fruit

  • 1 Large Mango Skin removed and flesh removed and placed into a blender.

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Dry Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning No Salt.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Chili Seasoning
  • Salt
  • Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Condiments

  • 1/4 cup Mango Nectar
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Oil

  • 1/4 Olive Oil

Instructions
 

Prepare Marinade

  • Place all Seasonings (EXCEPT Salt) and Olive Oil into a Large Zip Lock Bag. Using your hands, massage the ingredients together to blend. If your Cornish Hens are too big to place into Large Zip Lock Bag, place in mixing bowl and stir seasonings together.
  • Add the Cornish Hens into the mixture and seal if using the bag, toss the bag around, massage seasonings into them. If you are using mixing bowl, use your hands and massage the seasonings into them. Cover and let them marinate for minimum 30 minutes. For better flavor, you can do this the night before and place in refrigerator overnight.

Grilling

  • Preheat Grill until nice and hot. I used a gas grill but this can absolutely be done with a charcoal grill for added smokiness and grilled flavor.
  • Remove Cornish Hens from marinade and shake off excess marinade.
  • Place Cornish Hens Breast side down and begin grilling. Do not cook them on direct flame as this will cause them to over cook and dry them out. Grill on one side for 8-10 minutes then flip over and continue to grill for additional 8-10 minutes. Grilling time will vary on the size of the Cornish Hens.

Mango BBQ Sauce

  • Add Mango Nectar, Ketchup, Lemon Juice, Brown Sugar, pinch of Salt and Cayenne Pepper (optional) into the blender with Mango. Gently pulse until everything is incorporated. Do not over blend or it will become frothy. Taste to see if additional seasoning needed. If sauce is too thick, you may add additional Mango Nectar. Set aside until time to baste Cornish Hens.

Cornish Hens

  • Midway to grilling Cornish Hens, baste them with your Mango BBQ Sauce. Put them over the direct heat to sear the sauce into the Hens. Flip over and repeat the process. This may be done a couple times depending on how saucy you like your Cornish Hens. Internal cooking temperature should read 165°.

Serving Instructions

  • Serve with grilled Corn on the Cob on the side which can be grilled the same time as Cornish Hens or your favorite sides of your choice.
Keyword Cornish Hens, Jerk, Mango