Cornish Hens With Wild Rice For Smoker

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Tender smoked Cornish hens stuffed with savory wild rice and glazed with citrus marmalade
Cornish Hens With Wild Rice for Smoker recipe image
Cornish Hens With Wild Rice for Smoker recipe image
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Cornish Hens With Wild Rice For Smoker

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 321.5

Description

These Cornish hens are a show-stopping centerpiece for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The birds are gently smoked until the skin is crisp and the meat remains incredibly juicy. Inside, a stuffing of nutty wild rice, toasted pecans, and fresh green onions provides a hearty, earthy contrast to the delicate poultry. A vibrant glaze made from lime marmalade and orange juice adds a bright, sweet-tart finish that cuts through the richness of the butter. This dish balances rustic smoking techniques with refined flavors, making it perfect for impressing guests while remaining approachable enough for weekend cooking. The combination of smoke, citrus, and nuts creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the Cornish hens thoroughly, pat them completely dry with paper towels, and season the cavities generously with salt.
  2. In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped green onions until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cooked wild rice and chopped pecans, mixing well to combine the stuffing ingredients.
  4. Stuff the rice mixture into the cavities of the Cornish hens and secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the lime marmalade and orange juice until smooth to create the glaze.
  6. Prepare your smoker according to manufacturer instructions, maintaining a temperature of 225ðF (107ðC) (121ðC)to 250ðF using your preferred fuel source (charcoal, electric, or gas) with wood sticks for smoke flavor.
  7. Place the stuffed hens on the smoker grid, breast-side up, and brush them generously with half of the citrus glaze.
  8. Smoke the hens for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ðF in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, brush the hens with the remaining glaze to build a sticky, flavorful coating.
  10. Remove the hens from the smoker, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving, and brush with any remaining warm glaze if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 321.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19.8g31%
Saturated Fat 6.8g34%
Cholesterol 24.2mg9%
Sodium 82.1mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 34.7g12%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
Sugars 4.2g
Protein 6.2g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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