Are you looking for an easy and delicious entrée to feed the family or impress your guests? Look no further than Smoked Cornish Hens! This low-cooking time meal packs big flavor with minimal effort. Whether using a charcoal, gas, or electric grill or smoker, it’s easy to cook your own amazing smoked Cornish hens in just a few simple steps.
Not only will they turn out juicy and flavorful each time–but they are sure to be the talk of any gathering. Read on to learn how you can create your ideal smoked Cornish hen today!
What are Cornish game hens?
Cornish game hens are a small, domesticated breed of chicken. These birds can range in size from 2 to 4 pounds and they have a unique flavor that makes them a popular choice for roasting or grilling. The hen’s dark meat is moist, tender, and flavorful–perfect for smoky cooking styles such as smoking!
How to smoke Cornish game hens
Smoking Cornish hens is a relatively simple process that yields delicious results. Start by prepping the birds. Remove any visible fat from around the neck and cavity, then rinse them well and pat dry with paper towels.
Next, season the birds liberally with your favorite blend of herbs and spices. Place them in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if desired.
Once you’re ready to cook, fire up your smoker and bring it to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hens on the middle rack of the smoker and close the lid.
Smoke the hens for 2-3 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
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Where to buy Cornish game hens
Cornish game hens are widely available in grocery stores and meat markets. You can also find them on the menu of many casual and fine dining restaurants.
If you’re looking for a more economical option, frozen Cornish hens are often found in the freezer section of most supermarkets. Smoked Cornish hens make an easy and delicious meal that is sure to impress any dinner guests.
With minimal effort and great flavor, this low-cooking time meal will leave everyone satisfied–not to mention impressed with your cooking skills! So get out there and fire up the smoker–it’s time to make some amazing smoked Cornish hens!
Benefits of Cornish Hens
Cornish hens are a healthier alternative to larger poultry, boasting fewer calories and fat with more protein. They can also be cooked quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Furthermore, their small size makes them perfect for single-serve portions, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy their own personal entree. With its rich flavor and convenient cooking time, smoked Cornish hens are sure to become a family favorite!
In addition to being nutritious and easy to make, Cornish hens offer a variety of versatile flavors. Whether you prefer the milder taste of white meat or the more intense flavor of dark, there is something for everyone when it comes to smoked Cornish hens.
With their juicy, succulent texture, smoked Cornish hens can be served as a main dish for a fancy dinner party or enjoyed as the main course of your family’s weeknight meal.
How to make smoked Cornish game hens
Making smoked Cornish hens is easy and doesn’t require much in terms of ingredients or supplies.
All you need are:
- 2-4 Cornish hens, depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Your favorite herbs and spices (garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, etc.)
- An electric or gas smoker
- A meat thermometer
To begin, preheat the smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature reaches its desired level, place the Cornish hens on the middle rack of the smoker.
Close the lid and let them smoke for 2-3 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Once done, remove the hens from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Serving the hens
Smoked Cornish hens can be served as-is or with a variety of sauces and sides. From classic BBQ sauce to more creative concoctions, the sky’s the limit when it comes to finding flavors that pair perfectly with these tasty birds.
Serve your smoked Cornish hens alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any of your favorite side dishes for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Smoke dish hens are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Get creative with the flavors and sides and enjoy the succulent taste of smoked poultry any night of the week!
Want to stick to some traditional holiday dishes?
Make smoked Cornish hens for a unique take on Thanksgiving dinner. Or join the barbecue trend with some delicious smoked chicken wings that are sure to get rave reviews from your friends and family. Whatever the occasion, smoked Cornish game hens are sure to make an impression!
Tips for Smoking Cornish Game Hens
- Make sure to season the hens well with herbs, spices, and a little bit of oil before smoking.
- Choose hens that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- For best results, serve the hens with a flavorful sauce or side dish.
Smoked Cornish game hens are an easy and delicious way to enjoy poultry in all its juicy glory. With minimal effort and great flavor, these birds make for a tasty dinner that’s sure to impress! So, gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to enjoy some delicious smoked Cornish game hens.
How long do I need to smoke the hens?
The amount of time needed to fully cook the hens will depend on the size and number of hens you are cooking, as well as the temperature of your smoker. Generally speaking, it should take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a single Cornish hen to cook in a smoker set to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use other types of poultry?
Cornish hens aren’t the only type of poultry that can be smoked. You can also smoke chicken wings, turkey breasts, and even quail for delicious results.
Can I add other flavors to the hens?
Absolutely! Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. You can even try marinating the hens in a mixture of oil and seasonings before smoking for an extra flavorful result.
How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
The best way to tell if your hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it reads this, your Cornish hens are ready to be removed from the smoker.
Smoked Cornish Hens
Enhance your next barbecue with the delicious flavor of smoked Cornish hens. The savory birds are easy to prepare, all you need is chicken broth, Italian bread crumbs peppered and salted generously along with finely diced celery for added texture. Add a pat of butter before cooking for a melt-in-your mouth experience that can stand alone or be enjoyed alongside your favorite dipping sauces and sides!
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup favorite smoked BBQ rub or seasoning blend of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rub each hen with olive oil, then season them with salt and pepper.
- Apply your favorite smoked BBQ rub or seasoning blend to the hens, making sure they are well coated on all sides.
- Place the hens onto the middle rack of your smoker and close the lid.
- Smoke for 2-3 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the hens from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Q: How long do I need to smoke the hens?
A: The amount of time needed to fully cook the hens will depend on the size and number of hens you are cooking, as well as the temperature of your smoker.
Generally speaking, it should take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a single Cornish hen to cook in a smoker set to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I use other types of poultry?
A: Cornish hens aren’t the only type of poultry that can be smoked. You can also smoke chicken wings, turkey breasts, and even quail for delicious results.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the hens?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. You can even try marinating the hens in a mixture of oil and seasonings before smoking for an extra flavorful result.
Q: How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
A: The best way to tell if your hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it reads this, your Cornish hens are ready to be removed from the smoker.
Q: Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?
A: Yes, using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your hens are cooked through. It will also prevent them from getting overcooked or dry.
Q: Can I smoke other types of poultry?
A: Yes, you can smoke a variety of poultry, including chicken wings, turkey breasts, and quail.
Q: How long will it take to smoke the hens?
A: Generally speaking, it should take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a single Cornish hen to cook in a smoker set at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the hens?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. You can even try marinating the hens in a mixture of oil and seasonings before smoking for an extra flavorful result.
Q: How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
A: The best way to tell if your hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it reads this, your Cornish hens are ready to be removed from the smoker.
Q: How long do I need to smoke the hens?
A: It should take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a single Cornish hen to cook in a smoker set to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I use other types of poultry?
A: Yes, you can also smoke chicken wings, turkey breasts, and even quail for delicious results.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the hens?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. You can even try marinating the hens in a mixture of oil and seasonings before smoking for an extra flavorful result.
Q: How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
A: The best way to tell if your hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it reads this, your Cornish hens are ready to be removed from the smoker.
Q: What temperature should I smoke the Cornish hens at?
A: For best results, aim for a smoker temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
This should make sure that the hens cook through to the proper internal temperature without burning.
Q: Is there anything else I should know about smoking Cornish hens?
A: Make sure to keep an eye on the smoker temperature throughout the cooking process. Too low of a temperature will result in undercooked hens, while too high of a temperature will result in overcooked, dry hens.
You should also periodically check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that the hens are cooked through. Lastly, make sure to carefully remove the Cornish hens from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: What temperature should I smoke the Cornish hens at?
A: For best results, aim for a smoker temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This should make sure that the hens cook through to the proper internal temperature without burning.
Additionally, you should periodically check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that the hens are cooked through.
Lastly, make sure to carefully remove the Cornish hens from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Is there anything else I should know about smoking Cornish hens?
A: Yes! Be sure to keep an eye on the smoker temperature throughout the cooking process. Too low of a temperature will result in undercooked hens, while too high of a temperature will result in overcooked, dry hens.
Also, be sure to marinate or season your hens for maximum flavor.
Finally, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked through. Once they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re ready to be served!
Q: Are there any other tips for smoking Cornish hens?
A: Yes! Be sure to use an indirect heat setup when smoking the hens. This will help ensure that the hens cook through without burning or drying out too quickly.
Additionally, be sure to check the internal temperature of the hens with a meat thermometer to ensure that they’re cooked through.
Finally, be sure to allow the hens to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help keep them juicy and flavorful!
Q: Is there anything I should avoid when smoking Cornish hens?
A: Yes, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature of your smoker. Too low of a temperature will result in undercooked hens, while too high of a temperature can dry out the hens or cause them to burn.
Additionally, avoid over-seasoning the hens or marinating them for too long as this can result in an overly salty flavor.
Finally, be sure not to overcook the hens and make sure that they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Q: What is the best way to serve smoked Cornish hens?
A: Smoked Cornish hens are delicious served hot and fresh out of the smoker with a side dish such as roasted potatoes or steamed veggies.
Additionally, you can shred the meat off of the hens and serve it in salads or sandwiches. Finally, you can also slice the hens and serve them over a bed of rice or pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
Q: What other types of dishes can I make with smoked Cornish hens?
A: There are numerous ways that you can use the tender and flavorful smoked Cornish hen meat. You can shred it and serve it in tacos or burritos, mix it into pastas or risottos, or add it to salads or soups for extra protein.
Additionally, you can also stuff the hens with a savory filling and serve them as a main course.
Q: How should I store leftover smoked Cornish hens?
A: Once your Cornish hens have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer-term storage.
Always make sure to properly label and date the container so that you can easily identify it when needed.
Q: How long do I need to smoke the hens?
A: Generally, 2-3 hours is enough time to cook them through. However, use a meat thermometer to be sure they’re done.
Q: What sides go well with smoked Cornish hens?
A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to sides for smoked Cornish game hens! Serve them with roasted vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, or any of your favorite side dishes.
Q: How should I store leftover Cornish hens?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding what to make for your next big meal, you should consider on one of Smoked Cornish Hens. Not only are they easy and relatively quick to cook, but they’re also bound to please a crowd.
And if you’re smokers looking for an alternative to the traditional turkey or chicken, look no further than the Cornish hen.
Jane is a chef-turned-writer who brings masterful creations to life in the kitchen. She spends her days transforming ordinary dishes into exceptional feasts, while exploring local food trends around town!