Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens are a fast and easy dinner grilled on the Traeger wood-pellet grill and liberally seasoned with my favorite Spiceology rubs.
Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens
These little grilled Cornish hens are so tiny that they are basically individual portions, and the smaller size has the added benefit of being a faster cook than a larger bird.
If you have hungry teenagers, they might want two!
More Easy Traeger Recipes here!
How to Smoke Cornish Hens
- Fire up your wood-pellet grill or smoker according to factory instructions. Let a fire establish, and then turn the grill up to 275°.
- Brush the hens with oil, and then season the hens liberally with your favorite seasoning rub.
- Place the hens directly on the pre-heated grill grates, and close the lid.
- Cook at 275° for 30 minutes, and then turn the heat up to 400°.
- Grill at 400° until the birds are 165° internally. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before servings.
More Easy Traeger Chicken Recipes here!
How long does it take to smoke a Cornish hen?
How long it will take depends on many different factors, and it is my strong opinion that you should always cook to temperature and NOT by time.
In grilling and smoking especially, this holds very true. Your grill temp will fluctuate depending on the outside temperature, how often the lid is opened, what type and size of grill you are using, how much food you have INSIDE the grill, and on and on and on.
Trying to figure out how long to cook something is pretty much a guarantee that you’re going to end up with something that is either over or undercooked.
That being said, if you are trying to plan for dinner at 6:30, I’d suggest starting the birds around 5 or 5:15. They might be done a little early, they might be done a little late but that’ll at least get you a 30 minute over/under by my estimation.
Poultry is fully cooked when it reaches 165°.
What’s the difference between chicken and cornish hen?
There is very little difference. In fact, a Cornish Hen is a type of chicken. For a long time, I thought it was entirely different in the same way that turkey and chicken are different, but NOPE.
Tastes like chicken, cause it is chicken.
Just, young chicken.
How old is a Cornish Hen?
A Cornish Game Hen is typically about 4-5 weeks old when they are harvested. That is why they have their signature size.
Because they are small, they also have a higher ratio of dark meat to light, and a higher skin-to-meat ratio. For me, that’s pretty much the perfect combination.
What should I serve with Cornish hens?
I have so many great sides that can be served with grilled Cornish hens! Check out the options below:
- Vinegar Coleslaw
- Creamy Noodles
- Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Stick of Butter Rice
- Browned Butter & Mizithra Pasta
- Togarashi Grilled Asparagus
- Green Salad w/ Greek Vinaigrette
Do you cook Cornish hens breast side up or breast side down?
I prefer to cook all of my poultry breast side up. I think it cooks more evenly that way, and the breasts aren’t as likely to dry out while the dark meat finishes cooking.
I flipped these little birds halfway through the cook time to make sure both sides got equal time facing down, but in general, I’d make sure they spend the majority of the time breast up!
What kind of seasoning should I use for Smoked Cornish Hens?
Anything you would like! Chicken is a great base for big bold flavors, so don’t be shy.
For this batch of grilled Cornish hens, I mixed it up a bit and used:
Can I stuff Cornish hens?
You can, but I typically do not. Stuffing hens can sometimes force you to overcook them because you have to make sure all of the stuffing is at least 165° and that rarely happens at the same time as the meat.
Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens
These easy smoked Cornish hens are the perfect size to split between two people, or keep one all for yourself! Use your favorite seasoning rub and customize these according to each person's favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 Cornish hens
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado or canola oil
- 6 tablespoons rub
Instructions
- Fire up your Traeger or other wood-pellet grill according to factory instructions and preheat to 275°.
- Rub down your hens with the oil, and then coat liberally with your choice of rub. Our recommended rubs are listed below in the products section, but any of your favorite rubs will do.
- Place the hens breast side down on the grill, and smoke for 30 minutes at 275°.
- Flip the hens over so they are breast-side up, and turn the grill up to 400°. Cook at 400° until 165° internal temperature.
- Pull and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 696Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 337mgSodium: 165mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 57g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Jounayet Rahman
Monday 14th of November 2022
Look so delicious!
Sharon Lochabay
Friday 21st of August 2020
Do you close the fire door or cook it on the flame
Nicole Johnson
Sunday 23rd of August 2020
My Traeger doesn't have a fire door. When I use my Camp Chef, I typically cook with it closed unless I'm doing something like burgers or hot dogs or trying to crisp up chicken skin.