Chicken vs. Hen: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
Chicken refers to both male and female birds of the species, while hen specifically denotes a mature female chicken.
Key Differences
Chicken is a term that encompasses all birds of the species, regardless of sex or age. It's used both for the living bird and its meat. In contrast, a hen is specifically an adult female chicken, known for laying eggs and not for meat production.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
In culinary contexts, chicken is a common term for the meat of this bird, irrespective of the sex of the bird. However, hen, being an adult female, might be referred to in certain recipes, particularly those that require a mature bird's meat, which is often tougher but more flavorful.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
In farming, chicken is a broad term used for the bird in various stages of its life cycle. Hen, on the other hand, has a specific role in egg production and is often separated from roosters (male chickens) in farming setups for efficient egg production.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
The word chicken can symbolize cowardice or fear in language, unrelated to the bird's sex. Hen, however, might be used to describe a woman, often in a pejorative way, implying overprotectiveness or fussiness.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
When discussing breeding and behavior, chicken serves as a general term. Hens have distinct behaviors, such as nesting and brooding, which are specific to their role in egg-laying and chick-rearing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A bird of this species, male or female, young or old.
A mature female chicken, especially one that lays eggs.
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Jan 04, 2024
Role in Agriculture
Used broadly for meat production and egg-laying.
Primarily for egg production.
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Jan 04, 2024
Culinary Use
Meat termed as chicken is commonly eaten.
Specific dishes call for hen for more flavor.
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Jan 04, 2024
Symbolism in Language
Can imply cowardice or fear.
Sometimes used to describe an overprotective woman.
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Jan 04, 2024
Behavioral Characteristics
General traits of the species.
Specific behaviors like nesting and brooding.
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Jan 04, 2024
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Chicken and Hen Definitions
Chicken
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat.
The farm had a large coop full of chickens.
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Dec 20, 2023
Hen
Referring to a gathering of women, often informally.
The book club was her monthly hen party with friends.
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Dec 20, 2023
Chicken
The flesh of the chicken used as food.
She prepared a delicious chicken curry for dinner.
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Dec 20, 2023
Hen
A term used for a woman, often in a derogatory sense.
The old hen next door always has something to complain about.
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Dec 20, 2023
Chicken
A trivial or insignificant thing.
Losing ten dollars is chicken compared to what he usually gambles.
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Dec 20, 2023
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Hen
A female chicken, especially one that lays eggs.
The hen clucked contentedly as she pecked at the grain.
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Dec 20, 2023
Chicken
A common domesticated fowl (Gallus domesticus) widely raised for meat and eggs and believed to be descended from the jungle fowl G. gallus.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
A chicken kept primarily for laying eggs.
We bought three hens to start our backyard egg production.
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Dec 20, 2023
Hen
A symbol of motherhood and nurturing.
She was the mother hen of the office, always looking out for everyone.
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Dec 20, 2023
Chicken
Any of various foolhardy competitions in which the participants persist in a dangerous course of action until one loses nerve and stops.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
Often Offensive Slang A usually older woman, especially one who is engaged in conversation with other women.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
Vulgar Slang A young gay male, especially as sought by an older man.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
A female chicken (Gallus gallus), particularly a sexually mature one kept for her eggs.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
A female of other bird species, particularly a sexually mature female fowl.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
To act in a cowardly manner; lose one's nerve
Chickened out at the last moment.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
(countable) A domesticated species of junglefowl (usually, Gallus gallus; sometimes, Gallus gallus domesticus or Gallus domesticus), especially so-called when young.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
A bride-to-be, particularly in the context of her "hen night" festivities.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
An affectionate term of address used to women or girls.
Don't cry, hen. Everything will be all right.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A confrontational game in which the participants move toward each other at high speed (usually in automobiles); the player who turns first to avoid colliding into the other is the chicken (that is, the loser).
Don't play chicken with a freight train; you're guaranteed to lose.
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Dec 13, 2023
Hen
The female of the domestic fowl; also, the female of grouse, pheasants, or any kind of birds; as, the heath hen; the gray hen.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
(informal) Cowardly.
Why do you refuse to fight? Huh, I guess you're just too chicken.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A young person; a child; esp. a young woman; a maiden; same as spring chicken.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A domestic fowl bred for flesh or eggs; believed to have been developed from the red jungle fowl
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A foolhardy competition; a dangerous activity that is continued until one competitor becomes afraid and stops
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Dec 13, 2023
Chicken
A term for someone who is fearful or timid.
He was too chicken to go on the roller coaster.
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Dec 20, 2023
Chicken
A dare game where participants risk danger to demonstrate courage.
The teenagers played chicken by racing towards the cliff edge.
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Dec 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is there a taste difference between chicken and hen meat?
Hen meat can be tougher and more flavorful than general chicken meat.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What's the difference between a hen and a rooster?
A hen is a female chicken; a rooster is a male.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What is a chicken?
A chicken is a domestic bird, either male or female, used for its meat or eggs.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
What defines a hen?
A hen is a mature female chicken, often kept for laying eggs.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Are chickens used in symbolic language?
Yes, the term "chicken" can imply cowardice.
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Jan 04, 2024
What's the lifespan of a chicken?
Chickens can live for 5-10 years, depending on the breed and conditions.
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Jan 04, 2024
Are chickens social animals?
Yes, chickens are social and have a hierarchy known as the "pecking order".
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Jan 04, 2024
What are the nutritional benefits of eating chicken?
Chicken is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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Jan 04, 2024
How often do hens lay eggs?
Depending on the breed, hens can lay an egg almost daily.
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Jan 04, 2024
Is "chicken" used in any games?
Yes, "chicken" is a dare game where participants test their courage.
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Jan 04, 2024
Are hens protective of their chicks?
Yes, hens are known to be very protective of their chicks.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can chickens be trained?
Chickens can be trained to perform simple tasks and recognize their owners.
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Jan 04, 2024
What's the main use of hens in farming?
Hens are primarily used for egg production.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can chickens fly?
Chickens can fly short distances but are not adept flyers.
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Jan 04, 2024
How do you differentiate hens from roosters?
Hens generally have smaller combs and wattles and lay eggs.
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Jan 04, 2024
Do all hens need a rooster to lay eggs?
Hens can lay eggs without a rooster, but the eggs will be unfertilized.
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Jan 04, 2024
Can chickens be pets?
Yes, chickens can be kept as pets and can be quite friendly.
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Jan 04, 2024
Do hens have a specific role in folklore?
Hens often symbolize fertility and motherhood in various cultures.
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Jan 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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