Smoked Cornish Hens

How Long to Smoke Cornish Game Hens

A low temperature, say 225°F (110°C), will smoke Cornish hens at 30-45 minutes per pound. Plan for about 1½-2 hours for normal-sized Cornish hens, plus a resting time of about 15 minutes.

Factors like the smoker’s temp and the birds’ size can affect smoking times, which is why I recommend an instant-read thermometer. When the birds reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they’re done. 🌡️

Recipe Ingredients

• Cornish Hens – These tiny game birds are juicier than chicken but don’t taste gamey. Plan on one bird per person when serving. 
• Olive Oil – Olive oil serves two purposes. It helps the seasonings adhere to the hens’ skin, and it helps the skin crisp up nicely while smoking.
• Seasonings – Onion and garlic powder, thyme, oregano, sage, salt and pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper make a perfectly seasoned bird. 

How to Smoke Cornish Hens

Season the Cornish Hens

1. Dry Rub – In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, sage, black pepper, salt, paprika, and cayenne until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
2. Prep Birds – Rinse and pat dry your Cornish hens with paper towels. Drizzle with some oil, then salt them.
3. Season – Generously coat the hens with the spice mix, covering every inch. Let it marinate, tightly covered, in the fridge for an hour (or up to 24 hours) for the flavors to penetrate.

Smoke the Cornish Hens (Pellet Grill Instructions)

1. Prep Smoker – When ready to smoke, preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F (110°C) or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Double-check the hopper to make sure it has enough pellets.
2. Smoke – Close your smoker. Smoke for 1½-2 hours, covered (30-45 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature of your hens reaches 165°F (74℃).
3. Rest – Remove from the smoker (or grill) and let them rest for 15-20 minutes to distribute the juices evenly in the hens. Baste with your favorite BBQ sauce if desired.

Smoke the Cornish Hens (Grill Instructions)

1. Prep Grill – If using a gas grill, set it up for indirect heat. Prepare the grill for two-zone cooking by lighting the burners on one side and leaving the other unlit. If using a charcoal grill, position the charcoal on one side to create a hot side and a cooler side.
2. Add Humidity – Place a drip pan filled with water or beer on the unlit side of the grill. Preheat it to 225°F (107°C).
3. Smoke – Place the seasoned hens on the unlit side of the grill, away from the direct heat. Place a small packet of aluminum foil filled with wood chips directly on the lit burners to generate smoke.
4. Patience – Close the lid and maintain a steady temperature by adjusting the burners as you smoke the hens for 1½-2 hours. The internal temperature should get to 165°F (74°C) in the thighs’ thickest part on an instant-read thermometer. Start checking after 1½ hours; use your best judgment.
5. Rest – Remove hens from the grill and allow them to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Customize the seasonings. You can add or remove any herbs and spices I’ve included here. Make the hens spicier, milder, or more herby.
• Stuff them. You can add your favorite stuffing to the cavity of the hens before smoking if you desire.
• Use a full-sized bird. This recipe works for regular chicken, too. Just know that it will take quite a bit longer to cook. But you still want it to reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
• No smoker? Spatchcock your Cornish hen and season it the same way; place it on a roasting pan and broil it skin-side down for about 10 minutes. Flip it over, breast side up, and broil for another 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked. You can do the same thing with a broiler chicken.

Tips and Tricks

• Wood choice: For Cornish hens, fruit woods like apple or cherry work well, as they provide a milder smoke flavor. 
• Resist the urge to peek: Don’t open the grill or smoker too often, or it will take the hens longer to smoke. Start checking the Cornish hens’ internal temperature after about 90 minutes. Speaking of which…
• Monitoring temperature: A meat thermometer is quite useful for keeping track of the internal temperature. Cook time depends on the actual temperature and size of the hen.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can season your Cornish hens up to 24 hours in advance of smoking. You can also keep smoked Cornish hens in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months and reheat before serving them.

Serving and Storage Instructions 

Serve smoked Cornish hens just after they’ve rested.

If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-5 days. You can use the microwave, oven, or grill to reheat the leftovers. If you use the oven or grill, keep it at a low temperature and heat the hens just until heated. If you leave them too long, they can dry out.

What Goes With Smoked Cornish Hens

I love to smoke my whole meal on the grill by serving these hens with smoked baked potatoes and smoked corn on the cob. They also taste great with grilled veggies, such as grilled carrots and grilled onions.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

• Incredible Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Wing Flats
• Pellet Grilled Chicken Legs
• Smoked Chicken Breast