Chef John's Grilled Game Hens

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
• 1 habanero pepper, seeded
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cornish game hens, halved lengthwise
• 1 pinch salt to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Ready Time: 3 hrs 55 mins


• blend jalapeno pepper, habanero pepper, garlic, vegetable oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, and 2 teaspoons salt together in a blender until marinade is smooth.
• place halved hens in a large bowl. pour marinade over the chickens and turn to coat completely. cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
• preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• remove hens from marinade, shaking off any excess, place hens on a plate, skin-side up. discard remaining marinade. season skin-side of hens with salt.
• cook hens on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until skin is crisped, meat is no longer pink at the bone, and juices run clear, about 45 minutes. an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).