Transform your next meal with this irresistible BBQ Teriyaki Cornish Hens recipe. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Experience a fusion of flavors with our BBQ Teriyaki Cornish Hens. These tender, succulent hens are glazed in a delightful blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey, infusing the meat with a rich teriyaki taste. Grilled to perfection, they boast a crispy, caramelized skin with a smoky BBQ finish
Feeds 2-4 people
Prep time 15-20 minutes
Cook time 90-120 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 5 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Willie Pete chicken seasoning
- 2 cornish hens
Instructions for Teriyaki Sauce
Prepare Your Smoker or Oven
Preheat your smoker or oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Assemble the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 1 cup of water
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Ginger
- Garlic powder
Cook until nearly heated through, about 1 minute.
Thicken the Sauce
In a cup, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir until dissolved. Add this mixture to the saucepan. Continue to cook and stir the sauce until it thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Keep the sauce warm for later use.
Instructions for Cornish Hens
Prepare the Cornish Hens
Cut out the backbone and halve the Cornish hens. Season both sides generously with chicken seasoning.
Cook the Hens
Place the hens on your smoker, cavity side down, and cook for 25 minutes.
Glaze and Flip
After 25 minutes, flip the hens and glaze them with the homemade teriyaki sauce. Repeat this glazing process every 20-25 minutes until the hens reach an internal temperature of 162 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Touches
Remove the Cornish hens from the grill, glaze one more time, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Teriyaki Cornish Hens, a perfect dish for any occasion!
Video Walkthrough
This homemade teriyaki sauce would be great on Beer Can Chicken as well!