In a large pot (big enough to marinate cornish hens in a gallon of brine, yet small enough to cover the hens completely and a pot small enough to fit in a refrigerator) mix together the ingredients for the smoked chicken brine.
Place cornish hens in brine and refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours.
Once small hens have marinated in brine, remove and discard brine.
With a paper towel, pat the cornish hens dry and let rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. (This will help hens cook evenly and not dry out.)
Preheat smoker to 225°.
While preheating, mix together spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
Rub spice blend all over cornish hens, evenly, covering the tops, bottoms and sides of hens completely.
Place hens on smoking racks (breast side down) and smoke for 1.5 hours.
After 1.5 hours, turn temperature on smoker up to 350° and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp up the skin.
Check the internal temperature of hens, and remove once the thickest part of the breast and thigh have reached an internal temp of 160°. (NOTE: If internal temperature of hens has not reached 160° after the higher temperature, lower temperature of smoker back to 225° and cook until it reaches 160°.)
Place hens on a baking sheet or platter and wrap in aluminum foil, and let rest for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe temperature to eat, of 165°.
Notes
Although it's not required, if you have time to make and let your cornish hens sit in a brine solution, it's highly recommended for a juicy, flavorful hen.How do you keep Cornish hens from drying out?Soaking the hens in a brine helps keep the bird moist and juicy! Also letting the small chickens sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking will help it cook evenly and won't allow the heat to dry out the meat.Do you cook Cornish hens breast up or down?Breast side down is often recommended, so the juices naturally rest in the breast meat as it cooks. However, breast side up is also perfectly fine and still results in a juicy bird!How do I know when my Cornish hen is done?When the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit, it's safe to eat. However cooking until 160° degrees and letting it rest, covered in aluminum foil, allowing it to reach 165°, is ideal.