Texas Style Game Hens

Transform your dinner table into a Southern-style feast with these irresistibly juicy Texas Style Game Hens. This recipe showcases perfectly roasted Cornish game hens infused with a smoky, bold spice rub featuring smoked paprika, cayenne, and ground cumin, balanced by a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. A drizzle of fresh lime juice adds a tangy finish that elevates every bite. Whether roasted to golden perfection in the oven or grilled outdoors for a hint of charred flavor, these game hens are a versatile showstopper. Ready in under 90 minutes and garnished with fresh cilantro, they pair beautifully with classic Texas sides like baked beans or creamy coleslaw. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, this dish delivers big Texas flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Cornish game hens
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set up your outdoor grill for indirect heat.

Step 2

Rinse and pat dry the Cornish game hens with paper towels.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.

Step 4

Brush each game hen with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring even coverage over the entire surface of the skin.

Step 5

Generously season the hens with the prepared spice rub, coating them evenly inside and out.

Step 6

Place the game hens in a roasting pan or on a grill (if using a grill, make sure they are not placed over direct flames). If roasting, position them breast side up.

Step 7

Drizzle fresh lime juice over the hens for a hint of tangy flavor.

Step 8

If roasting, cook in the oven for 65-75 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling, maintain a medium-low temperature and rotate the hens occasionally while cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 9

Remove the game hens from the oven or grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are sealed in.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides like Texas-style baked beans or coleslaw.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2156 grams (2156.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4700

Total Fat 279.00g	358%
Saturated Fat 69.20g	346%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 1600mg	533%
Sodium 6154mg	268%
Total Carbohydrate 45.00g	16%
Dietary Fiber 8.80g	31%
Total Sugars 19.90g
Protein 465.40g	931%

Vitamin D 200IU	1000%
Calcium 441mg	34%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 5059mg	108%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 40.9%

Carbs: 4.0%