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Smoked Cornish Game Hens 

Charlie
This smoked Cornish hen recipe will yield the juiciest hens with super crispy skin. This mouthwatering dish starts with spatchcocking and seasoning, which adds delicious flavor. You can use any type of smoker, like a Traeger or Pit Boss.
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Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course christmas, Dinner, easter, holidays, lunch, main, Main Course, thanksgiving
Cuisine American, Barbecue, bbq, dinner, grill, lunch
Servings 4 people
Calories 256 kcal

Equipment

  • Pellet smoker

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole Cornish Hens
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 2 tbsp BBQ Rub

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Remove from packaging and check cavity for giblets. Pat completely dry — do not rinse. Spatchcock by cutting along each side of the backbone with kitchen shears, removing the backbone, then pressing the hen flat.
  • Step 2: Apply oil as a binder over all surfaces. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder and rub generously on all sides. Apply BBQ rub on top. Season and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours or overnight. Remove from fridge 1 hour before smoking.
  • Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place hens breast side down on the grates. Smoke at 225°F until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 145°F — approximately 90 minutes.
  • Step 4: Increase smoker to 360°F. Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes until the breast reaches 165°F and the skin is deep golden.
  • Step 5: Remove from smoker and rest uncovered for 10 minutes. Serve individually.
Keyword smoked food, smoked hens