Best 2 Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hen Recipes

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the delectable flavors of hickory-smoked Cornish game hens, a true culinary masterpiece that combines smoky richness with tender, succulent meat. These exceptional birds are seasoned to perfection with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, then carefully smoked over hickory wood, infusing them with a distinctive, mouthwatering smokiness. The result is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that will take your taste buds on a journey of culinary delight. From the classic hickory-smoked Cornish game hen with its timeless appeal to innovative variations featuring unique marinades and rubs, this article offers a diverse selection to suit every palate. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we unveil the secrets to creating this exceptional dish, transforming your kitchen into a haven of smoky, savory aromas.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS

Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

Go for a different kind of bird by stuffing and cooking the Neelys' Roasted Cornish Game Hens recipe from Down Home with the Neelys on Food Network.

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon-pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each, rinsed and dried thoroughly
1 green bell pepper, large dice
2 stalks celery, large dice
1 onion, large dice

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a small mixing bowl, stir together salt, lemon pepper, dried basil and poultry seasoning. Rub olive oil all over the hens and season each with the salt mixture. Place the hens on a baking sheet pan with plenty of space between them. You may need to use 2 pans. Loosely stuff the cavities of each hen with some green bell pepper, celery and onion. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. Remove the hens from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before carving or serving.

SMOKED CORNISH GAME HENS

Smoked Cornish Game Hens image

For a luscious poultry treat, smoked Cornish game hens can't be beat. These little birds are richly flavored, juicy and smoke like a charm. In my opinion, a smoked game hen beats smoked chicken every time. To add flavor, the game hens are marinated in a basic brine containing apple juice, herbs and spices. Slow smoking with apple, cherry or peach wood gives these little birds a light smoky flavor. If you are a fan of smoked poultry, these smoked Cornish game hens will be something to cheer about. Juicy, tender and full of flavor, they will become an all time favorite.

Provided by Timothy H.

Categories Poultry

Time 3h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

three pints water
one pint apple juice
one-third cup canning salt
two tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dill weed, dry
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 -6 Cornish hens

Steps:

Combine the brine ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove the brine from the heat and chill down to 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the game hens by cutting along each side of the backbone, removing it from the carcass. Push down on the breast to flatten, and then remove the ribs if you like.
Marinate the game hens in the fridge overnight. Remove the birds from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
Smoke the Cornish game hens at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 hours, or until the thigh temperature reaches 175 degrees. Allow the birds to rest for half an hour after smoking before splitting through the breasts and serving.
Optionally, the game hens can be indirect grilled, or grilled over medium low heat 45 to 75 minutes, or until 175 degrees is reached.

Tips for Making the Best Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hens:

- Choose the right hens: Look for hens that are plump and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid hens that are too small or too large, as they will not cook evenly. - Prepare the hens properly: Remove the giblets and rinse the hens inside and out. Pat the hens dry with paper towels. - Season the hens generously: Use a flavorful rub or marinade to coat the hens inside and out. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat. - Smoke the hens over indirect heat: This will help to prevent the hens from drying out. - Cook the hens to the proper temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. - Let the hens rest before serving: This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Hickory smoked cornish game hens are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your hens turn out perfectly every time. So fire up your smoker and give this recipe a try! You won't be disappointed.