Smoked Cornish Hens

This Smoked Cornish Hens recipe provides the ultimate combination of tender and juicy meat infused with the enticing flavors of wood. This mouthwatering dish is seasoned to perfection using a homemade rub and works wonderfully for any spread. You can use any smoker or Traeger pellet grill.

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What are Cornish Game Hens?

They are a small breed of chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. They are not game birds but rather a specific crossbreed of chickens. The typical Cornish hen is a young female chicken that weighs around 1-2 pounds and is about 4-6 weeks old when processed to eat.

Cornish hens are known for their tender, flavorful meat. They are commonly served on holidays and for special occasions and individual servings. Because of their small size, these are ideal for individual servings, making them perfect for elegant dinners, holiday feasts, or romantic meals for two.

Cornish hens have a flavor similar to that of regular chickens but with some slight differences due to their smaller size and tenderness. Some people describe the taste of Cornish hens as having a subtle sweetness, especially when cooked properly.

How to Season

I like to use my Homemade BBQ Rub recipe to season these. It consists of the following:

• Brown Sweetener or Brown Sugar
• Chili Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Make Smoked Cornish Hens

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the smoker.
2. Pat the hens dry.
3. Drizzle the hens with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle spices throughout and rub the spices into the skin.
5. Place the hens on the smoker and smoke.

Smoker Temperature

I like to start at 250 degrees and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temp of around 120-135 degrees. From here, for crispy skin, I adjust the temperature to 350 degrees until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What Flavor of Wood/Pellets to Use

The choice of wood for smoking can greatly influence the flavor profile of the meat. Different types of wood impart distinct flavors, ranging from mild and sweet to strong. I love use the Traeger Signature Blend or apple. Here are some options:

• Apple: Provides a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with poultry. It adds a delicate smokiness without overpowering the natural taste.
• Cherry: Similar to apple, cherry offers a subtle fruity and sweet aroma.
• Pecan: Delivers a rich and nutty flavor, adding a deeper dimension to the taste.
• Hickory: A classic choice for smoking meats, including poultry. It has a strong and hearty flavor that works well.
• Maple: Infuses the hens with a slightly sweet and smoky taste, making it another excellent option for smoking.
• Oak: A versatile wood that imparts a balanced, medium-level smokiness, allowing the natural flavors of the hens to shine through.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Ultimately, you want to cook the hens for however long it takes for them to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. They will likely take an hour and a half to 2 hours to cook.

How to Know When the Hens Are Done

To ensure the hens are fully cooked and safe to eat, you should use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. See notes above.

Allow the Hens to Rest

Resting allows the meat’s juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist end result.

• Juice Redistribution: When meat is exposed to heat during smoking, the juices move towards the center of the meat. Allowing the hens to rest after smoking gives the juices time to redistribute back throughout the meat, resulting in a more evenly moist and flavorful end product.
• Tenderization: Resting allows the proteins in the meat to relax and continue to cook gently even after the smoking process. This further tenderizes the hens and makes the meat more succulent and easier to eat.
• Improved Texture: Resting helps the meat fibers relax, making the texture more pleasing and less chewy.
• Better Flavor: It allows the flavors to settle and meld, enhancing the overall taste of the meat.

How to Store

You can store them fully cooked in the fridge covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warm.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the dish tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

More Main Dish Recipes

Traeger Smoked Glazed Ham
Smoked Filet Mignon
Smoked Ribeye
Smoked Cod
Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken
Traeger Pulled Pork (Shoulder Butt)
Thanksgiving Chicken
Bone-In or Boneless Garlic Prime Rib

Pair With These Side Dishes

Smothered Potatoes and Onions
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Smoked Baked Beans
Smoked Asparagus
Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Smoked Baked Potatoes
Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked Cream Cheese

Drizzle these in Yellow Gravy or make gravy using the Cornish hens’ drippings and this Gravy From Drippings recipe.