Ingredients
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more for sprinkling
3 poussins (1 to 1 1/2 pounds) or Cornish hens
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, and mustard until well combined. Whisk in garlic, chives, thyme, oregano, dry mustard, salt, and pepper; set aside. Rinse poussins well under cold water. Pat dry.
Using kitchen shears, cut along either side of backbone; remove it. Turn over; gently flatten. Place marinade in a large resealable plastic bag; add poussins. Seal; turn bag to coat them with marinade. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Position a rack in center. Place a flat roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Coat rack with spray; set aside.
Remove poussins from marinade, letting excess drip off; place on rack, breast side up. Tuck wing tips under body. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; roast until golden and cooked through, about 50 minutes. Cut each in half through breast; serve.
