Cornish game chickens are a fast and simple supper that will elevate any meal into a wonderful event.
When cooked in a smoker, these small birds take on a whole new taste profile and are a pleasant alternative to the same old chicken or Christmas turkey.
In this recipe, I’ll teach you how to smoke cornish game birds so that every mouthful is soft and juicy.
Contents
- What are Cornish game hens?
- Where to buy Cornish game hens
- How to make smoked Cornish game hens
- Serving the hens
- Want to stick to some traditional holiday dishes?
- FAQs
- How long does it take to smoke Cornish game hens?
- How long to smoke Cornish game hens at 225?
- How long to smoke a 1.5 lb Cornish hen?
- How to smoke a Cornish hen on the grill?
- What is the best temperature to smoke Cornish hens?
- What temperature do you smoke Cornish game hens?
- Should I smoke chicken at 200 or 225?
- Do you cook Cornish hens breast up or down?
- How long does it take to smoke 2 6 pound chickens?
- Is one Cornish hen enough for 2 people?
What are Cornish game hens?
Cornish game hens are basically adult little chickens. The Cornish game hen, which was created in the 1950s by crossing normal Cornish chickens with White Plymouth Rock hens, grows swiftly.
Their rapid maturation leads in a heartier taste with massive breasts and fatty skin, giving cornish game hens a juicy texture that larger birds may lack.
Cornish game chickens must weigh between one and two pounds and be butchered before reaching the age of five weeks. They may be either male or female.
Where to buy Cornish game hens
Most chain supermarkets sell Cornish game chickens frozen in the meat area, but fresh ones are more difficult to locate on a daily basis.
If you want to utilize fresh birds, contact your local butcher ahead of time. The grocery butcher may also be able to help you find them.
How to make smoked Cornish game hens
1. The rub
Most birds do not come with giblets, but every now and again you’ll discover a little giblet pack placed into the cavity like a turkey, so keep an eye out.
I made the rub by combining unsalted butter and our Honey Garlic rub.
Gently peel the skin away from the breast with your finger, taking careful not to damage it. On each breast side, place half a spoonful of the butter mixture between the skin and the flesh.
Apply the remaining butter on the outsides of both chickens.
2. Prepare the smoker
Fire up your grill to 275F.
I used Fogo charcoal and cherry wood pieces to smoke it on the Burch Barrell.
The Burch Barrel features a nice function in which you can lift the lid with the grill grate to move the food you’re cooking away from the heat source for greater control.
You may also lower and elevate the charcoal-holding basket.
Because Cornish game chickens cook fast, keep an eye on the internal temperature. I inspect the thigh flesh as well as the breast meat.
3. Smoking
When the smoker is hot, place the chickens on the grates and smoke for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
Remove the Cornish game chickens from the smoker and tent with foil after they have reached 165°F. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving the hens
The chickens are tiny enough to serve on individual plates, or you may carve them like a turkey.
Want to stick to some traditional holiday dishes?
- Twice smoked spiral ham
- Smoked Ham with hot honey bourbon glaze
- Smoked orange and herb roasted chicken
- Smoked whole turkey
