Clucking Hens

[jcboxlot]

These turned out well, took a bit longer than expected.  I still prefer pork on the SI, but was trying to mix it up.

Two Cornish Hens
4 hours brine
Mustard base, then add rub
235 degrees for 2 1/2 hours, got me to 155 temp.  Sugar Maple wood

Extra grill/sear for the rest. (took 1/2 hour for 165 internal)  Gasser was on 400 deg.

They were pretty wet/juicy so I'd recommend the grilling part.

Foil and rest.

Overall very moist and good poultry. 

$5.50 for two Perdue hens

 

[gregbooras]

John,

Perfect timing for your post, one of the things I have not tried was Cornish hens in the smoker. How much wood did you use for the smoke!

Have a safe and fun long weekend.

Greg

 

[jcboxlot]

2 oz sugar maple chunk, 1 oz jack dan cut up barrel shards.  Separate foil boats. 

Prob more than needed overall, but they didn't taste over smoked at all.

 

[gregbooras]

Hey John,

Thanks I will pick up some hens this week and give it a go!

Greg

 

[Barrel99]

Thanks John. They look good. Because of their small size, I have found Cornish hens to get well done and dried out very quickly so temp monitoring is critical. Also if they rest to long or are seared a bit to long they get overdone as well.

 

[TexasSMK]

I have a chicken ready to smoke soon, thanks for the pictures and plan.