Sweet, smoky, and utterly delicious—Maple Bourbon Glazed Cornish Game Hens are a show-stopping dish. Coated in a rich maple bourbon glaze and roasted to golden perfection, they’re perfect for an elegant dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2-4 Cornish Game Hens
- 1 Lemon
- ½ C pomegranate seeds.
Dry Rub Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Maple-Bourbon Glaze Ingredients
- ½ C maple syrup (real, not imitation)
- ¼ C bourbon
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Accessories/Equipment:
Method:
1. Preheat your Big Green Egg to 300°F using your favorite wood chips (applewood or cherrywood work great for Cornish Game Hens).
2. Lightly coat Cornish Game Hens with oil and coat with dry rub mixture.
3. Stuff each Cornish Game Hen cavity with 2 ¼ Lemon wedges and truss.
4. Cook indirect for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
5. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until the glaze thickens slightly.
6. Brush the Cornish Game Hens generously with the glaze every 20 minutes once it reaches 140°F.
7. Continue smoking until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast hits 160°F.
8. Plate with sides and top with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds.