Best Alton Browns Spatchcocked Game Hen Recipes

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ALTON BROWN'S SPATCHCOCKED GAME HEN



Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen image

Saw this on AB's Thanksgiving show. It looks GREAT and I plan to make it this weekend. Just a bit of poultry for a single. And crunchy! 2/2011 Since I generally don't have bricks around my house, I have discovered that two half-gallon bottles of water serve well instead...for 10 pounds.

Provided by BarbryT

Categories     Very Low Carbs

Time 15m

Yield 1-2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 Cornish hen, approximately 1 1/4 to 1 3/4-pounds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat a panini press on high.
  • Place the game hen breast side down on a cutting board. Using scissors or poultry shears, remove the backbone by cutting down each side of it. Flatten the bird (Alton says to make a small slit in the cartilage at the base of the breastbone then grab the bird with both hands on the ribs and open up like a book, facing down towards the cutting board. Remove the keel bone.) You may (but don't have to) cut small slits in the skin of the bird behind the legs and tuck the drumsticks into them in order to hold them in place. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Spray both the top and bottom of the panini press with cooking spray and put the hen, skin side up onto the press; spray the skin side with cooking spray and close the lid, and squeeze HARD. Top the press with a brick or two or other heavy weights (10 pounds) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the skin is golden brown.
  • Allow to rest 3 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280.1, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 217.5, Sodium 1906.9, Carbohydrate 0.7, Fiber 0.3, Protein 48

CORNISH GAME HEN WITH BACON AND ONIONS



Cornish Game Hen with Bacon and Onions image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 (1 1/4 to 1 3/4 pounds) Cornish game hen
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 pieces thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
20 to 24 pearl onions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Wrap a brick in aluminum foil and place into the oven to heat.
  • Place the game hen breast side down on a cutting board. Using scissors or poultry shears, cut from the neck to the tailbone to remove the backbone. Once you remove the backbone you will be able to see the inside of the bird. Make a small slit in the cartilage at the base of the breastbone to reveal the keel bone. Grab the bird with both hands on the ribs and open up like a book, facing down towards the cutting board. Remove the keel bone. Cut small slits in the skin of the bird behind the legs and tuck the drumsticks into them in order to hold them in place. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Fry the bacon in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once crisp, remove the bacon from the skillet and reserve. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Immediately add the two birds to the pan, skin side down. Add the onions to the pan around the edges. Top the birds with the brick and allow to remain on the heat for 5 minutes. Place the pan into the oven and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the thigh meat reaches 170 degrees F. Remove from the oven and allow the bird to rest for 5 minutes before serving with the onions and bacon.

CORNISH GAME HEN: SPATCHCOCK HEN



Cornish Game Hen: Spatchcock Hen image

Provided by Level Agency

Categories     Mains

Time 33m

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 (1 1/4- to 1 3/4-pound) Cornish game hen
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat a panini press on high.
  • Place the game hen, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut from the neck to the tailbone to remove the backbone. Once you remove the backbone you will be able to see the inside of the bird. Make a small slit in the cartilage at the base of the breastbone to reveal the keel bone. Grab the bird with both hands on the ribs and open up like a book, facing down towards the cutting board. Remove the keel bone. Cut small slits in the skin of the bird behind the legs and tuck the drumsticks into them in order to hold them in place. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Coat the bottom of the panini press with nonstick cooking spray. Place the bird, skin-side up, onto the press, coat the skin side with nonstick cooking spray and close the lid. Top the press with a 10-pound weight and cook until the skin is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Allow to rest 3 minutes before serving.

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Alton Brown is a well-known American chef, author, and television personality. He is famous for his creative and informative cooking shows, including Good Eats, Iron Chef America, and Cutthroat Kitchen. One of his popular recipes is spatchcocked game hen, which is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. In this article, we will explore the concept of spatchcocking and the benefits of this method.

What is Spatchcocking?

Spatchcocking is a cooking technique that involves removing the backbone of poultry to flatten it out before cooking. This method is also known as butterflying. The term “spatchcock” comes from the word “dispatch cock,” which means to prepare a chicken for cooking quickly.
How to Spatchcock a Game Hen
To spatchcock a game hen, follow these steps:
  1. Place the game hen on a clean cutting board, breast-side down.
  2. Using sharp kitchen scissors or a knife, cut along the spine and remove it.
  3. Flip the game hen over and press it flat with your hand.
  4. You can also use a heavy pot or pan to flatten the bird by placing it on top.
  5. Finally, tuck the wings behind the breast and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

Benefits of Spatchcocking

Spatchcocking is a great way to cook game hens because it provides many benefits, such as:
  1. Even Cooking: Spatchcocking allows the game hen to cook faster and more evenly because it lays flat on the grill or baking sheet.
  2. Crispy Skin: The skin of the game hen becomes crispy and golden brown because it is exposed to high heat.
  3. Flavorful Meat: When cooking spatchcocked game hen, the meat stays juicy and flavorful because it cooks evenly and quickly.
  4. Customizable: Spatchcocked game hen is highly customizable. You can add different herbs or spices to the bird before cooking to give it a unique flavor.
  5. Quick and Easy: Spatchcocking is a quick and easy way to cook game hens. It takes less time to prepare and cook compared to traditional roasting methods.

Alton Brown’s Spatchcocked Game Hen Recipes

Alton Brown has several spatchcocked game hen recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Here are some of his most popular recipes:
1. Spatchcocked Game Hen with Lemon and Garlic
This recipe is a classic spatchcocked game hen dish that is full of flavor. Alton Brown uses fresh lemon and garlic to season the bird. He also adds a touch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Here are the ingredients:
  • 1 game hen, spatchcocked
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Spatchcocked Game Hen with Rosemary and Thyme
This recipe is a delicious way to add some herb flavor to your spatchcocked game hen. Alton Brown uses fresh rosemary and thyme to season the bird. Here are the ingredients:
  • 1 game hen, spatchcocked
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
3. Spatchcocked Game Hen with Asian Flavors
This recipe is a fun way to add some Asian flavors to your spatchcocked game hen. Alton Brown uses soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to season the bird. Here are the ingredients:
  • 1 game hen, spatchcocked
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Conclusion

Spatchcocking is a fantastic way to prepare game hen. It allows the bird to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. Alton Brown has several spatchcocked game hen recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor. Try one today and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal!
Alton Brown is a renowned chef who has gained popularity for his creative and delicious recipes. His Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves experimenting with new dishes. This recipe is perfect for those who want to prepare a fancy meal with minimal effort. However, to ensure the best results, there are several valuable tips you should consider when making Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe.

Tips for Preparing the Game Hens

1. Choose Fresh Game Hens: When making Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe, it is crucial to select fresh game hens. Fresh game hens have a better flavor, and the meat is more tender. You can easily identify fresh game hens by checking their color and smell. The skin should be shiny and free of bruises, while the meat should have a mild aroma. 2. Spatchcock the Game Hens Properly: To prepare the game hens for the recipe, you need to spatchcock them. This technique involves removing the backbone of the hen and flattening it. To spatchcock the hens, you will need a sharp knife or poultry shears. The process can be a bit intimidating, but with the right tools and technique, you can achieve it easily. 3. Trim any Excess Fat: Game hens have a considerable amount of fat, especially around the thighs and wings. Before cooking the hens, you should trim any excess fat to prevent flare-ups and enhance the appearance of the dish. However, make sure that you do not remove too much fat, as it helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.

Tips for Seasoning the Game Hens

1. Use a Flavorful Rub: A good rub is essential to make Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe more flavorful. You can use a combination of herbs, spices, and salt to make a delicious rub. Some of the popular dry rubs include garlic, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Apply the rub generously to the game hens, making sure that each side is evenly coated. 2. Marinate the Game Hens: Marinating the game hens is another way to enhance the flavor of the dish. You can make a flavorful marinade using vinegar, citrus fruits, or wine. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor into it. You should marinate the game hens for at least one hour before cooking. 3. Let the Game Hens Rest: After seasoning the game hens, it is advisable to let them rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can cover the game hens with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Tips for Cooking the Game Hens

1. Use a High Heat Cooking Method: Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe requires you to cook the hens using high heat. You can grill, broil or roast the game hens to achieve the desired results. High heat helps to sear the skin, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. 2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the game hens are properly cooked, you should use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for poultry is 165°F. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. 3. Baste the Game Hens: Basting the game hens is an excellent way to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist during cooking. You can use a combination of butter, herbs, and spices to baste the hens. Baste the game hens every 15 minutes to achieve the best results.

Tips for Serving the Game Hens

1. Let the Game Hens Rest: After cooking the game hens, it is essential to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Cover the game hens with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. 2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: To enhance the appearance and flavor of the dish, you can garnish the game hens with fresh herbs. Some of the popular herbs include parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the game hens before serving. 3. Pair with a Delicious Sauce: A flavorful sauce can take Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe to the next level. You can make a savory sauce using the pan drippings, herbs, and chicken broth. Serve the sauce on the side, allowing your guests to pour it over the game hens as desired.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can impress your guests. To ensure that you get the best results, you should consider the valuable tips highlighted above. With fresh game hens, a flavorful rub or marinade, proper cooking technique, and delicious garnishes and sauces, you can make a sumptuous meal that will leave your guests asking for more.

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