How Long to Cook Cornish Hens on a Pellet Grill (With Tips and Tricks)

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How Long to Cook Cornish Hens on a Pellet Grill

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook them, a pellet grill is the perfect option. With a pellet grill, you can cook your Cornish hens to perfection without having to worry about them drying out.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill, as well as some tips for making them extra delicious. We’ll also provide a recipe for smoked Cornish hens that you can try at home.

So if you’re ready to learn how to cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill, read on!

Time Temperature Instructions
35-40 minutes 350 degrees F Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees F.
Place the Cornish hens on the grill, breast-side up.
Cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
45-50 minutes 375 degrees F Preheat your pellet grill to 375 degrees F.
Place the Cornish hens on the grill, breast-side up.
Cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
55-60 minutes 400 degrees F Preheat your pellet grill to 400 degrees F.
Place the Cornish hens on the grill, breast-side up.
Cook for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Cornish hens are a popular choice for grilling because they are small and cook quickly. However, it is important to cook them for the correct amount of time to ensure that they are cooked through and juicy. The cooking time for Cornish hens on a pellet grill will vary depending on a few factors, including the size of the hens, the temperature of the grill, and whether or not the hens are brined or stuffed.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The size of the Cornish hens is one of the most important factors that will affect the cooking time. Smaller hens will cook faster than larger hens. As a general rule, you can expect to cook a Cornish hen for about 35 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature of the grill is another factor that will affect the cooking time. If you are grilling the hens over direct heat, they will cook faster than if you are grilling them over indirect heat. For best results, grill the hens over indirect heat at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whether or not the hens are brined or not will also affect the cooking time. Brining the hens will help to keep them moist and juicy, and it will also shorten the cooking time. If you are brining the hens, you can expect to cook them for about 30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whether or not the hens are stuffed will also affect the cooking time. Stuffed hens will take longer to cook than unstuffed hens. As a general rule, you can expect to cook a stuffed Cornish hen for about 40 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recommended Cooking Times

The following are recommended cooking times for Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • For unbrined, unstuffed hens:
  • 35 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • For brined, unstuffed hens:
  • 30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • For unbrined, stuffed hens:
  • 40 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • For brined, stuffed hens:
  • 35 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be cooked on a variety of different grills. By following the tips in this guide, you can cook perfectly cooked Cornish hens every time.

Here are some additional tips for cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. The hens are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the hens with melted butter or olive oil during cooking to help keep them moist.
  • Serve the hens with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

With a little practice, you will be able to cook perfectly cooked Cornish hens on your pellet grill in no time.

How Long to Cook Cornish Hens on a Pellet Grill?

Cornish hens are small, flavorful birds that are perfect for grilling. They cook quickly and evenly, and they’re a great way to feed a crowd.

The cooking time for Cornish hens on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the hens and the temperature of the grill. However, you can generally expect to cook Cornish hens for about 1 hour per pound.

To cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill, you will need:

  • Cornish hens
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • Wood pellets (hickory or apple are good choices)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pellet grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry.
3. Season the hens with olive oil or melted butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the hens on the grill, breast-side up.
5. Cook the hens for about 1 hour per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the hens with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes or so.
7. Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serve your Cornish hens with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips for Cooking Cornish Hens on a Pellet Grill

Here are a few tips for cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the hens. This will help to ensure that the hens cook evenly.
  • Place the hens on the grill, breast-side up. This will help to prevent the hens from drying out.
  • Cook the hens for about 1 hour per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the hens with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes or so. This will help to keep the hens moist and flavorful.
  • Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the hens to become more tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • Not brining the hens before cooking. Brining helps to add flavor and moisture to the hens.
  • Overcooking the hens. Cornish hens are small and cook quickly. Overcooking them will dry them out.
  • Not letting the hens rest before serving. Letting the hens rest before serving will allow the juices to redistribute and the hens to become more tender.

By following these tips, you can cook delicious Cornish hens on your pellet grill every time.

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be cooked on a variety of grills. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can cook perfect Cornish hens on your pellet grill every time.

How long do Cornish hens take to cook on a pellet grill?

Cornish hens typically take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to cook on a pellet grill. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the hens, the temperature of the grill, and the desired degree of doneness.

What temperature should I cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill is between 350F and 400F. This will help to ensure that the hens cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature of 165F.

How do I know when Cornish hens are done cooking?

The best way to tell if Cornish hens are done cooking is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165F. You can also check for doneness by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when the hens are done cooking.

What are some tips for cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill?

Here are a few tips for cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • Marinate the hens in a flavorful marinade before cooking to add flavor and moisture.
  • Preheat the grill to the desired temperature before adding the hens.
  • Cook the hens over indirect heat to prevent them from drying out.
  • Baste the hens with the marinade or melted butter throughout cooking to keep them moist.
  • Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking Cornish hens on a pellet grill:

  • Cooking the hens at too high of a temperature can cause them to dry out.
  • Not marinating the hens before cooking can result in bland flavor.
  • Cooking the hens over direct heat can cause them to burn.
  • Not basting the hens during cooking can cause them to dry out.
  • Not letting the hens rest before serving can cause them to be tough.

By following these tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and cook delicious Cornish hens on your pellet grill.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right hens to preparing them for cooking. We have also provided detailed instructions on how to cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill, including the temperature and time to cook them.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will now be able to cook delicious Cornish hens on your pellet grill. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Key Takeaways

  • Cornish hens are small, flavorful chickens that are perfect for grilling.
  • When choosing Cornish hens, look for birds that are plump and have smooth, unblemished skin.
  • To prepare Cornish hens for cooking, rinse them inside and out and pat them dry.
  • To cook Cornish hens on a pellet grill, preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the hens on the grill, breast-side up, and cook them for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the hens with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes to help them brown and cook evenly.
  • Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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