Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hen Recipe

Name: Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Neely's Dry Rub; 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning; 4 (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) Cornish game hens, washed and dried well; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; Dash hot sauce

Servings: persons

1
Whisk together the dry rub, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
2
Season the washed and dried game hens with the rub and arrange on a sheet tray.
3
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter to melt.
5
Once melted, add the shallots and saute until tender.
6
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7
Add the chicken broth and orange juice.
8
Bring to a simmer and let reduce down to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes.
9
It will easily coat the back of a spoon and be slightly syrupy.
10
Once reduced add the apple cider vinegar and hot sauce.
11
Taste for seasoning.
12
Prepare your grill/smoker for indirect heat with charcoal and hickory chips.
13
Maintain your temperature at 275 degrees F.
14
Arrange the game hens on the grill and cover.
15
Smoke for 40 minutes.
16
Remove the cover and brush the hens with the glaze, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
17
Cover the grill and smoke for an additional 15 minutes.
18
Remove the hens from the grill, to a serving platter and let rest, covered with foil for 15 minutes before serving.

258

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon Neely's Dry Rub, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning, 4 (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) Cornish game hens, washed and dried well, and more.

Yes, Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hen falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Hickory Smoked Cornish Game Hen

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions