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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