SMOKED CORNISH GAME HENS

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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

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.

Ameen Umarani
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This recipe is a keeper! The hens were cooked to perfection, and the smoky flavor was out of this world. I served them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and everyone loved it.


Alison Gallagher
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I'm not a big fan of Cornish game hens, but I tried this recipe anyway. I was pleasantly surprised! The hens were cooked perfectly, and the smoky flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making this again!


Oms giri Giri oms
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This recipe was easy to follow, and the hens turned out great. The meat was tender and juicy, and the skin was crispy. I will definitely be making this again!


Zeeshan Zehri
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I made this recipe for a dinner party, and it was a huge success. The hens were cooked perfectly, and the presentation was beautiful. I will definitely be making this again!


Davion Campbell
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These Cornish game hens were a bit too dry for my taste. I think I overcooked them slightly. However, the flavor was still good.


Ahsan Raiz
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I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a hit. The hens are always cooked perfectly, and the smoky flavor is amazing. I highly recommend this recipe!


warrisdead
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This recipe is a keeper! The hens were cooked to perfection, and the smoky flavor was out of this world. I served them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and everyone loved it.


Wilbur
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I'm not a big fan of Cornish game hens, but I tried this recipe anyway. I was pleasantly surprised! The hens were cooked perfectly, and the smoky flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making this again!


Luka Milutinovic
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This recipe was easy to follow, and the hens turned out great. The meat was tender and juicy, and the skin was crispy. I will definitely be making this again!


Marc Robyn
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I made this recipe for a dinner party, and it was a huge success. The hens were cooked perfectly, and the presentation was beautiful. I will definitely be making this again!


All in One TV
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These Cornish game hens were a bit too dry for my taste. I think I overcooked them slightly. However, the flavor was still good.


FARAZ SAHIL702
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I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The hens are always cooked perfectly, and the smoky flavor is out of this world. I highly recommend this recipe!


Mexican Joe
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This was my first time cooking Cornish game hens, and I'm so glad I tried this recipe. The hens were incredibly flavorful and moist. I especially loved the crispy skin. I will definitely be making this again!


Brendan Teague
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I tried this recipe last weekend, and it was a huge hit with my family! The hens were cooked to perfection, and the smoke flavor was amazing. I served them with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, and everyone loved it.


Shahzad Bai
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OMG! These smoked Cornish game hens were absolutely delicious! The meat was so tender and juicy, and the skin was perfectly crispy. I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making this again!


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