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Greek Yogurt Marinated Cornish Game Hens

Greek Yogurt Marinated Cornish Game Hens

A recipe combines the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt with fragrant herbs to create tender, flavorful Cornish game hens. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for a special dinner or weekend treat.

★★★★☆4.9(8 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 25 min
Total Time 45 min
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients 0/11

Why This Dish Is Amazing

This dish combines tender, juicy poultry with a tangy and creamy marinade that enhances flavor and keeps the meat moist. The yogurt not only adds a subtle tang but also helps to tenderize the hens, making each bite deliciously soft. It’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Practical Cooking Tips

- Marinate the hens for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked through; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep the juices locked in.

Step 1

Put the Cornish game hens into a large resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, paprika, olive oil, garlic salt, thyme, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, and savory. Pour this yogurt marinade over the hens, making sure to coat them well and get some of the mixture inside their cavities. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as you can, and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 2

When you're ready to cook, heat your grill to low and lightly oil the grates. Take the hens out of the bag and give them a gentle pat dry—discard the leftover marinade. Place the hens on the grill and cook until the skin starts to brown, about 3 minutes per side. Then cover the grill and continue cooking, turning them if needed, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

Once they’re cooked through, take the hens off the grill and slice them open along the breast, flattening them out like an open book. Put them back on the grill, cut side down, cover, and cook until they develop a nice golden brown color, about 4 minutes. Then they’re ready to serve!

Best Foods To Serve With This

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad to complement the tangy marinade. A lemon wedge on the side adds a bright, zesty finish. This dish also pairs well with couscous or herbed rice for a complete meal.

How To Save Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. For longer storage, freeze the cooked hens for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
115
people cooked this recipe
LB
By Lucas Bennett
Food Writer
Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

350 Calories
Fat
18 g
Carbs
4 g
Protein
40 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
2 g
Sodium
450 mg
Serving Size: 1 Cornish game hen
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (8)

4.9 out of 5
★★★★★
8 Ratings
5 star
7
4 star
1
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Rate This Recipe

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User Reviews

Ethan
★★★★★
May 08, 2026
Always a winner when I make this. The marinade is simple but so effective. Great for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingrid
★★★★★
Apr 10, 2026
Perfectly juicy inside with a nice crispy skin. The yogurt marinade was super easy and gave great flavor. Kids asked for seconds!
Omar
★★★★★
Feb 20, 2026
Marinade was simple but really packed a punch. Cooked this for family dinner and they asked for seconds!
Sofia K.
★★★★★
Feb 19, 2026
I was surprised how simple this was. My family loved the creamy taste, making it a dinner regular now.
Deepak
★★★★★
Feb 16, 2026
Super easy to prepare and the hens came out juicy with a nice crispy skin. Guests asked for seconds!
Carlos
★★★★★
Feb 08, 2026
Made this for our weekend dinner, everyone loved the crispy skin and juicy inside. Super happy with how it turned out.
Noor
★★★★★
Feb 06, 2026
Quick prep and the marinade gave such a nice creamy flavor. Will definitely make again for special dinners.
Paolo
★★★★☆
Jan 22, 2026
Really liked the texture and juiciness, but I added chili flakes next time for a bit more kick. Overall, a solid recipe.
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