Smoked Cornish Hens

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  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    2 hrs

  • Total Time

    2 hrs 10 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    467 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Smoked Cornish Hens

Smoked Cornish hens offer a delightful twist on everyday chicken dinners. Adding a touch of smokiness to these small, tender birds. This recipe transforms them into a gourmet delight, perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 cornish game hens
  • 2 Teaspoons coarse kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1 Teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 Teaspoons paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 Teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large stalk celery
  • 1 carrot
  • ½ onion
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Instructions

  1. Clean the birds of any leftover feathers and trim excess skin or fat. Dry with a paper towel.
  2. Season the cavities with the dry rub. Fill the cavities with a mixture of rough-chopped celery, onion, and carrot. Season them with salt and pepper and the dry rub.
  3. Rub the dry rub into the skin. If the rub doesn’t seem to be sticking, baste them with a bit of olive oil. And reapply the rub.
  4. Truss the legs with kitchen twine.
  5. Set up your smoker with wood and water. Preheat to 225°F /110°C. Place the hens with the breast side up onto the smoker or grill racks.Smoke the birds for 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the hens and your smoker. Smoke them to an internal temperature of 165°F/80°C. Test the temperature with a good quality meat thermometer placed in the thickest part of the thigh. Be sure that you aren’t hitting a bone when you test the temp.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • What types of wood to use
  • We prefer fruit woods such as apple or cherry for poultry. The subtle smoke doesn’t overpower the mild taste of the bird. Other woods that can be used are maple, pecan, or hickory, although we find hickory too heavy of a smoke.
  • How to store leftovers
  • Remove the meat from the bones. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. The extra layer of plastic will help the meat maintain moisture. Store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the meat double-wrapped for about three months.
  • See the article above for more tips and tricks and step-by-step photos.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 467kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Monounsaturated Fat 14g Cholesterol 227mg (76%) Sodium 1313mg (55%) Potassium 634mg (18%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 3301IU (66%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 467 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 467kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 227mg 76%
Sodium 1313mg 55%
Potassium 634mg 13%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 3301IU 66%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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