Chicken Recipes

GRILLED BUTTERFLIED ROCK CORNISH HENS

Grilled Rock Cornish hens with an onion and herb dressing.

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ounces scallions, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
4 tablespoons chopped mixed fresh herbs such as tarragon, parsley, thyme, marjoram, and lemon balm
4 Rock Cornish hens, about 1 pound each, butterflied
olive oil
salt and black pepper
For the onion and herb sauce

SERVES 4

1. Preheat the broiler to high, or prepare a charcoal grill.

2. Season the butterflied birds, then brush them with a little olive oil. Set them on the rack in the broiler pan about 4 inches from the heat, or on the barbecue grill 6 inches above the coals.

3. Cook for 20—25 minutes, or until tender. Turn and brush with more oil halfway through the cooking time.

4. Meanwhile, to make the sauce, whisk together the sherry, lemon juice. olive oil, scallions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

5. When the birds are done, transfer them to a deep serving platter. Whisk the herbs into the sauce, then spoon it on the birds. Cover tightly with another platter or with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.