If you’re cooking on a grill using the indirect method, add a few chunks of your favorite smoking wood and place the hens on the cool side of the grill. Turn the hens halfway through so they cook evenly. Keep the lid vent over the hens to help the smoke and heat flow over them.
Smoked Cornish Hens
Smoked Cornish hens are juicy, tender, and full of smoky soul food flavor. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or anytime you want an easy yet impressive meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 910kcal
Equipment
- Smoker or grill
- Wood, for smoking (apple or pecan recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons Soul Dust
- ½ pound unsalted butter 1 stick
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 250℉.
- Remove the hens from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Coat in oil and season with Soul Dust. Let hens sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the hens on the smoker and cook at 250℉ for 1 hour.
Make Garlic and Herb Butter
- In a small sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the garlic and herb and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
- After 1 hour crank the smoker temperature up to 300℉. Baste the hens with the garlic butter every 5-10 minutes until the hens reach 160℉ internal and the skin has crisped up.
- Remove the hens from the smoker, baste one last time and let hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 910kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 81g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 349mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 647mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1810IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 5mg
