Honey Baked Hens

Sweet, smoky, and perfect for any holiday table.

Servings: 2–4 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Method: Smoked (with oven option below)
Equipment: Smoker, drip pan, basting brush

Ingredients

For the Hens:

• 2 Cornish hens (1–1.25 lb each)
• Olive oil or melted butter (for coating)
• Uncle Dibbz Durtty Bird Rub — for seasoning base
  

For the Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp bourbon (added at the end)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Uncle Dibbz Memphis Bussin’ BBQ Rub
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Roasted orange halves
• Pearl onions or small shallots, caramelized

Smoker Setup

• Wood: Mesquite and applewood blend for color and balance
• Temperature: Start at 275°F, finish at 350°F
• Target Internal Temp: 165°F (thickest part of thigh)

Instructions

1. Prep the Hens

Pat hens dry with paper towels. Rub lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously all over (and under the skin) with Uncle Dibbz Durtty Bird Rub. Rest uncovered in the fridge for 30–45 minutes to tighten the skin.

2. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and zest. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. At the end, add bourbon and stir in Uncle Dibbz Memphis Bussin’ BBQ Rub for depth and color.

3. Smoke the Hens

Place hens on the smoker, breast side up. Smoke at 275°F for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until internal temp hits around 140°F. Start basting every 20 minutes with the honey glaze once the skin begins to brown.

4. Finish the Glaze and Crisp

Increase heat to 350°F for the final 20–30 minutes. Continue glazing until the skin is glossy, sticky, and golden. Once hens reach 165°F internal, remove and rest for 10–15 minutes.

5. Plate and Serve

Arrange hens on a platter with roasted orange halves, rosemary, and pearl onions. Brush with a final coat of warm glaze for that signature honey baked shine.

Oven Instructions (No Smoker Needed)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Follow the same prep and glaze steps above.
3. Roast hens on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet for 50–60 minutes, brushing with glaze every 15–20 minutes.
4. When hens reach 160°F internal, set oven to broil (high) for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
5. Remove at 165°F and rest 10 minutes before serving.