The phrase indicates the necessary duration for cooking a small chicken, specifically a Cornish hen, using a smoker. It speaks to the time needed to achieve a safe internal temperature and desirable level of smokiness. This cooking timeframe is influenced by variables like smoker temperature, hen size, and desired doneness.
Properly judging cooking duration is crucial for both food safety and culinary satisfaction. Under-cooked poultry presents a health hazard, while overcooking can lead to dry, unappetizing meat. Historically, mastering cooking times relied on experience and observation; modern advancements like meat thermometers offer increased precision.