Are you seeking a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than smoked Cornish game hens. These succulent birds are packed with juicy meat and a crispy, smoky skin that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we bring you a collection of mouthwatering smoked Cornish game hen recipes that are sure to become your new favorites. From classic smoked Cornish game hens with a simple rub to more adventurous variations like honey-glazed or chipotle-spiced hens, we've got recipes for every palate. So, fire up your smoker, grab a few Cornish game hens, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
THE BEST SMOKE CORNISH GAME
The Cornish Game Hen will become your signature dish after sharing with your family! You won't believe how easy and delicious it is! It is so easy to make a Smoked Cornish Hen- follow our simple recipe to learn how.
Provided by AJ Maudsley
Categories Main Course
Time 4h30m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Remove hens from packages and clean under cold running water.
- Make Brine by adding 1/2 C Kosher Salt, 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar, 1/2 orange (sliced), 4 Cups water.
- Boil for 2 minutes or until salt dissolved.
- Add 6 cups ice and stir until melted to cool brine down.
- Add hens to brine and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, overnight is acceptable.
- Preheat smoker to 225° F
- Remove hens and rinse well.
- Spatchcock the hens by removing the backbone with kitchen shears and lay flat.
- Season generously with the poultry rub of your choice or the following rub:
- 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground clove.
- Place on smoker for 20 minutes then increase heat to 350.
- Cook hens for approximately another 15-20 minutes or until a probe thermometer reads 165 in the thickest part of the breast.
- Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Carve and serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 grams, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams unsaturated fat
SMOKED CORNISH GAME HENS
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
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.
HICKORY SMOKED CORNISH GAME HEN
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk together the dry rub, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Season the washed and dried game hens with the rub and arrange on a sheet tray. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter to melt. Once melted, add the shallots and saute until tender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the chicken broth and orange juice. Bring to a simmer and let reduce down to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. It will easily coat the back of a spoon and be slightly syrupy. Once reduced add the apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Taste for seasoning.
- Prepare your grill/smoker for indirect heat with charcoal and hickory chips. Maintain your temperature at 275 degrees F.
- Arrange the game hens on the grill and cover. Smoke for 40 minutes. Remove the cover and brush the hens with the glaze, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the grill and smoke for an additional 15 minutes. Remove the hens from the grill, to a serving platter and let rest, covered with foil for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Brining the Cornish Game Hens: Brining the hens infuses them with flavor and helps keep them moist during the smoking process. Use a simple brine made with salt, sugar, water, and herbs.
- Choosing the Right Wood Chips: Use a mild wood like apple or cherry for a delicate flavor, or a stronger wood like hickory or mesquite for a more robust flavor.
- Smoking the Cornish Game Hens: Smoke the hens over indirect heat at a temperature between 225°F and 250°F. This will take about 1-1.5 hours per pound.
- Glazing the Cornish Game Hens: Glaze the hens with a mixture of honey, butter, and herbs during the last 30 minutes of smoking. This will give them a delicious caramelized coating.
- Resting the Cornish Game Hens: Allow the hens to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Conclusion:
Smoked Cornish game hens are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. By following these tips, you can create a memorable meal that your guests will love. Serve the hens with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
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