Smoked Cornish Game Hens Recipes

THE BEST SMOKE CORNISH GAME

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.

HICKORY SMOKED CORNISH GAME HEN

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.

SMOKED CORNISH GAME 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.