SMOKED CORNISH HEN RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Rub olive oil on the game hens. Combine the garlic powder, salt, and pepper then sprinkle all over the hens. Make sure to sprinkle inside the cavity as well.
• Smash the garlic cloves slightly then stuff them inside the cavity of the hens. Stuff the lemon slices in the cavity.
• Cover the birds and place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
• Remove the birds from the fridge and preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F.
• Place the hens on the grill. Smoke for 45 to 60 minutes at 225 degrees F then increase the heat to 375 degrees F and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Remove the hens from the grill cover them with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. The temperature will continue to climb while the hens are resting. The final temperature of the hens should be 165 degrees F. Serve the Cornish game hens whole or split them in half.

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.