Smoked Cornish Hen Recipe

Slow smoked Cornish hens are infused with rich, smoky flavors and stuffed with a fragrant wild rice blend, creating an aromatic and tender dish. The combination of herbs and spices in the stuffing perfectly complements the juicy, golden-brown hens for an irresistible meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Juicy & Tender: Cornish hens are naturally tender and juicy, and smoking them infuses them with an extra layer of rich flavor that you just can’t get with traditional roasting. The slow, steady heat ensures that the birds stay juicy while the skin gets crispy, especially when you bump up the temperature toward the end of the cook! 

Elegant & Holiday Worthy: Let’s be real—tiny, perfectly smoked hens just look impressive on a plate. Smoked Cornish hens are the perfect elegant meal that you can serve for any dinner, but especially a holiday dinner like Thanksgiving or Christmas! Make sure your guests come with an appetite, though!

What Is A Cornish Hen?

Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are essentially a small chickens, typically weighing around 1.5 pounds. Because they are so small, they are easy to roast or smoke and can be served as a full bird to each person! They cook quickly and evenly, which makes them perfect for a holiday meal when you need to feed a crowd.

Supplies Needed

• Medium-Sized Pot
• Skillet
• Butcher’s Twine

Ingredients

For the Cornish Hens

• Cornish Hens: These small birds cook quickly and stay juicy, especially when smoked. They’re perfect for individual servings, making them great for entertaining!
• Olive Oil: Helps the dry rub stick and crisps up the skin on the Cornish hens.
• Butter: Divided, you will need both cold and melted butter. Cold butter under the skin keeps the breast meat extra juicy, while melted butter mixed with dry rub is perfect for basting!
• Dry Rub: You will need a dry rub to season up the Cornish hens! Simple combine smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano and thyme to make a homemade dry rub.

For the Wild Rice Stuffing

• Wild Rice: Wild rice is a great base for stuffing. It is hearty and delicious!
• Chicken Stock: For extra flavor, as opposed to water.
• Butter & Olive Oil: A combo of butter and olive oil is best for moisture.
• Vegetables: You will need diced carrot, celery, and shallot to add loads of flavor and a cozy aroma to the wild rice stuffing.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet and tart burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory rice and herbs.
• Rosemary & Thyme: Fresh rosemary and thyme is best. However, dry can work as well.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste!

Pro Tip: Want to add more flavor to your Cornish hens? Try brining them for 2 hours before smoking using this easy apple cider brine.

Preparation and Stuffing

Make the Stuffing:

1. Preheat: Preheat the smoker to 225 F. and set it for indirect heat.
2. Start the Rice: In a pot, bring the 2 cups of chicken stock to a boil. Once boiling, add in the butter and the wild rice. Stir and cover, reducing the heat to low.
3. Simmer: Simmer the wild rice for 40-45 minutes or until tender and the liquid is rendered.
4. Sauté Vegetables: While the wild rice is cooking, add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the carrot, celery, and shallot for 6 min. Stir in the fresh herbs, seasonings, and dried cranberries. Remove from the heat and set aside.
5. Combine: After the rice has fully cooked, fluff it with a fork. Then fold in vegetable mixture.

Prep the Cornish Hens:

6. Make Dry Rub: In a bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients and mix until combined. Remove and save 2 tsp for later and set it aside.
7. Dry the Hens: Remove the Cornish hens from the packaging and remove excess moisture with paper towels.
8. Tuck Cold Butter Under Skin: Use your fingers to lightly light the skin under the breast portion of each hen. Then tuck in 1 tbsp of cold butter under the skin and over the breast meat on each side (2 tbsp of butter total per Cornish hen).
9. Season: Lightly oil the Cornish hens all over on all sides. Then season generously with the prepared dry rub all over and into the cavity of the bird.
10. Prep with Twine: Once coated, stuff each hen with the prepared wild rice mixture. Tie the legs closed and crossed with butchers twine.

How To Smoke Cornish Hens

1. Melt Butter: Melt the remaining butter and add the 2 tsp of reserved dry rub to the butter for basting.
2. Place on Grill: Place the Cornish hens onto the grill grates and smoke at 225 F. for 40-45 min.
3. Baste: After 40-45 baste the birds with some of the melted butter mixture. Then increase the grill temperature to 425 F. and continue to smoke an additional 15 min.
4. Monitor Temperature: Baste again after 15 min and continue to smoke until the Cornish hens reach an internal temperature of 165 F. In total, smoking time will vary around 60-90 min.
5. Remove, Rest & Enjoy: Remove the Cornish hens from the smoker and let rest 10 minutes. Place them onto a platter and garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!

What To Serve With Smoked Cornish Hens

This smoked Cornish hens recipe pairs well with a variety of sides, whether you’re going for a casual dinner or something more elegant:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing them with some Italian roasted vegetables, smoked butternut squash, or cauliflower gnocchi with roasted vegetables!
• Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes or crispy grilled potatoes to complement the smoky flavor of the hens.
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter, crispy edges of grilled lemon pepper parmesan Brussels sprouts pair perfectly here.

More Recipes To Try

• Herb Butter Turkey Recipe
• Smoked Chicken Breast
• Onion Crusted Pork Tenderloin
• Smoked Sweet Potatoes
• Smoked Turkey Breast