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Home » Recipes » Main Course

Smoked Cornish Hens

By: D. Durand Worthey  »  Updated: November 22, 2023  »   View our disclosure policy

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Our Jamaican Curry Smoked Cornish Hens are so good.

Our hens are seasoned with Jamaican Curry and smoked sea salt. 

Next, I smoked them for three and a half hours using an electric smoker. 

The result was smoky, juicy, and intensely flavorful Cornish hens you won’t soon forget. 

If you’re looking for a turkey alternative for the holidays, you want this smoke! 

a smoked cornish hen coming out of the Masterbuilt Smoker

Smoked Cornish Hens

Cornish hens are a great way to control portions because, generally, each hen is a serving.

If you want a smaller portion, cut them in half. And because of their small size, they are perfect for:

  • special occasions—think stay-at-home date nights and anniversary celebrations
  • dinner parties
  • holidays—think Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day dinner

Smoked Cornish Hens

What You Will Need

Cornish Hens. We like to use hens that are 1 to 2 pounds, and we use the Tyson brand and love them. 

Jamaican Curry Seasoning. We recently discovered Chef Max’s line of seasonings, and his Jamaican Curry was amazing in this recipe. 

Salted Butter. When making a butter glaze, you want to use quality butter—for this recipe, we opted for Kerrygold salted sweet cream butter. 

Smoked Sea Salt. I also added a bit of smoked sea salt to our butter glaze and used it as a finishing salt.

Fresh Herbs. When it comes to herbs, there are so many to choose from; I used fresh thyme and marjoram from our garden. But other herbs also work well, like:

  • rosemary
  • french tarragon
  • sage
  • oregano 
  • savory

fresh herbs and butter in a white bowl

Ingredients for Smoked Cornish Hens:

  • 4 Cornish hens
  • 8 ounces salted butter
  • 3 tbsp Jamaican curry seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked sea salt
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh marjoram 

*If you don’t like curry-based seasoning, try:

  • umami rub
  • mesquite rub
  • al pastor rub
  • coffee rub

Brushing the Cornish Hens with curry seasoning mix

Equipment

  • butcher’s twine
  • aluminum pans
  • pastry brush

mixing herbs in a white bowl

Directions:

  1. Preheat an electric smoker to 350 degrees.
  2. Drain and pat dry the Cornish hens and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. Add the salted butter, Jamaican curry seasoning, smoked sea salt, fresh thyme, and marjoram in a small bowl and melt the butter in the microwave.
  4. Brush the Cornish hens generously with the butter and herb mixture. 
  5. Arrange the Cornish hens in aluminum pans and place them on the center rack of the smoker.
  6. Adjust the temperature to 275 degrees and smoke the hens for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
  7. Remove the hens from the smoker and allow them to rest for ten (10) minutes. 

*thaw cornish hens in the fridge or cold water for at least 24 to 48 hours.  

How long will frozen Cornish hens last in the freezer?

Properly store packaged frozen Cornish Hens in plastic and wrap and aluminum foil and place them into large zip-lock bags—write the date on the bag.

The Cornish hens will last in the freezer for up to twelve (12) months.

a Cornish Hen that has been smoked in a Masterbuilt smoker

How long can I keep uncooked raw Cornish hens in the fridge?

Raw Cornish hens, stored in an airtight container, can be kept in the fridge for up to two (2) days. 

Smoked Cornish Hens

Can I make the Cornish hens ahead of time?

Yes. Allow cooked Cornish to cool completely and store them in an airtight container.

Store in the fridge for up to four (4) days.

How can I reheat Cornish hens?

Allow the refrigerated Cornish hens to reach room temperature.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees, individually wrap each hen in foil, and place in the oven for approximately ten (10) minutes or until warm. 

If you don’t want to smoke your hens, try these options:

Air Fryer Cornish Hens Recipe

Easy Cornish Hens

Cajun Cornish Hen Jambalaya

Cornish Hens and Cheesy Grits

What to serve with Cornish Hens?

Several sides pair well with hens, including plating them with Cheesy Grits! 

Rice

Sweet Potatoes

Macaroni and Cheese

Au Gratin Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Collard Greens

You can print the recipe below using the recipe card. Now, you just need to head to your local grocery store to grab all the ingredients! 

If you have any questions or comments, drop us a line below. 

 

Smoked Cornish Hens

How To Make Smoked Cornish Hens

Our Smoked Cornish Hens are an alternative to traditional Turkey Day fare—they're easy to make with a few ingredients, and they're so good.
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Course: holiday recipes, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 1307kcal
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 Cornish hens
  • 8 ounces salted butter
  • 3 tbsp Jamaican curry seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked sea salt
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh marjoram

Instructions

  • Preheat an electric smoker to 350 degrees.
  • Drain and pat dry the Cornish hens and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Add the salted butter, Jamaican curry seasoning, smoked sea salt, fresh thyme, and marjoram in a small bowl and melt the butter in the microwave.
  • Brush the Cornish hens generously with the butter and herb mixture.
  • Arrange the Cornish hens in aluminum pans and place them on the center rack of the smoker.
  • Adjust the temperature to 275 degrees and smoke the hens for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165 degrees.
  • Remove the hens from the smoker and allow them to rest for ten (10) minutes.

Notes

If you don't like curry-based seasoning, try:

  • umami rub
  • mesquite rub
  • al pastor rub
  • coffee rub

Equipment

  • butcher's twine
  • aluminum pans
  • pastry brush
*thaw cornish hens in the fridge or cold water for at least 24 to 48 hours.  

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 1307kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.04g | Protein: 78g | Fat: 109g | Saturated Fat: 47g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 576mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 1076mg | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 1903IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswortheylife or tag #thiswortheylife!

 

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