Cornish game hens with no ketchup BBQ sauce

[austin87]

Got some Cornish game hens, just under 2lbs each. Pat dry, heavily salt inside and out, set uncovered in the fridge on a rack for the skin to dry out for about 2 hours.



Fogo brand lump charcoal, charcoal rails, and drip pan in the middle





Breast side down to start, mix of pecan and cherry smoke



Non-ketchup based BBQ sauce is about 3 large Tbsp apricot preserves, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp each soy sauce and Worcestershire, 1 heaping Tbsp brown sugar, and juice of half lemon (was just enough for a few separate glazes on the 2 hens. Should cover 1 regular chicken, adjust quantities as needed)

Almost done...



Just waiting for dinner to cool



Cooked about 1 hour, not exactly sure on temp. Used Thermapen to check doneness, pulled at 160 internal in the breast. I usually do chicken at at least 325 to avoid rubbery skin. You can also start lower then crank heat at the end, but I think a little higher temp seems to work best.

[1911Ron]

Good looking Cornish game hens

[Prestige Worldwide]

Nice cook!  How do you like that Fogo lump charcoal?

[austin87]

@Prestige Worldwide use the "at" symbol followed by someone's name - good way to let them know you are looking for them.

I'm getting used to the Fogo. I have mostly been using Kingsford Competition briquettes and I like those a lot. They make way less ash and give off less of a chemical smell when they are lighting. Also been using a little Coshell, which I am starting to like after not being a fan the first few times I used it.

The Fogo definitely takes a pretty long time to get going, but it burns hot and pretty long with almost no ash. I have been breaking the enormous chunks into 3-4" pieces. I like that it burns really clean and imparts almost no flavor - then you can really let the smoking wood of your choice come out. It does take some getting used to and I'm still learning its quirks.

I'd say I'm 1/5 of the way through a 40lb bag so I'll update once I'm done

[WNC]

Great color on those hens!

[wyd]

Those look great.  Color on them is outstanding.  What temperature did you grill them at?  I have not Cornish Game hens in many many months.  Going to have to do some soon.

[austin87]

@wyd not sure exact temp but around 325. I find if you go too low with chicken the skin is rubbery and gross rather than crispy.

[wyd]

@wyd not sure exact temp but around 325. I find if you go too low with chicken the skin is rubbery and gross rather than crispy.

Thanks for the heads up.  Yeah I'm not a fan of rubbery skin that is for sure.  I rather go hotter than not enough heat.

Thanks again @austin87

Brian