Chef John’s Grilled Game Hens

Ingredients

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

Directions

Blend jalapeno pepper, habanero pepper, garlic, vegetable oil, sherry 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).