Cornish Hen vs. Chicken: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 17, 2024
A Cornish hen is a young, small breed of chicken, typically weighing up to 2 pounds, while a chicken can refer to any bird of the species, usually larger and older.
Key Differences
Cornish hens are a specific breed of chicken, known for their compact size and tender meat. Chickens encompass a wider variety of breeds and sizes, typically larger and less tender than Cornish hens.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Cornish hens are usually slaughtered at a younger age, around 5 weeks, resulting in smaller, more delicate birds. Chickens are generally harvested at different ages, leading to a range of sizes and textures.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
The taste of Cornish hen is often described as more succulent and less gamey than that of older chickens. Chickens, depending on the breed and age, can have a more pronounced, stronger flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
In cooking, Cornish hens are often roasted whole due to their small size, offering a single serving. Chickens, being larger, are versatile in preparation, used in a variety of dishes from roasting to grilling.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Cornish hens are popular for special occasions and gourmet meals, given their size and tenderness. Chickens are a staple in many cuisines, known for their versatility and economical value.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Common Use
Special occasions, gourmet dishes
Daily cooking, various cuisines
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Jan 17, 2024
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Cornish Hen and Chicken Definitions
Cornish Hen
A small, young variety of chicken.
She roasted a Cornish hen for a single-serving meal.
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Jan 04, 2024
Chicken
Known for its versatile use in cooking.
She made a savory chicken stew for dinner.
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Cornish Hen
Slaughtered at a younger age than typical chickens.
The Cornish hen's delicate flavor is due to its early harvest age.
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Jan 04, 2024
Chicken
Comes in various breeds and sizes.
He raised several different breeds of chickens on his farm.
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Cornish Hen
Known for its tender and succulent meat.
The Cornish hen had a remarkably tender texture.
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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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Cornish Hen
Typically weighs up to 2 pounds.
A Cornish hen is ideal for individual servings due to its size.
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Jan 04, 2024
Cornish Hen
Popular in gourmet cooking and special meals.
For the dinner party, she prepared stuffed Cornish hens.
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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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Chicken
Vulgar Slang A young gay male, especially as sought by an older man.
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Chicken
To act in a cowardly manner; lose one's nerve
Chickened out at the last moment.
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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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Chicken
A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.
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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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Chicken
(informal) Cowardly.
Why do you refuse to fight? Huh, I guess you're just too chicken.
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Chicken
A young person; a child; esp. a young woman; a maiden; same as spring chicken.
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Chicken
A domestic fowl bred for flesh or eggs; believed to have been developed from the red jungle fowl
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Chicken
A foolhardy competition; a dangerous activity that is continued until one competitor becomes afraid and stops
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Chicken
A common domesticated fowl used for its meat and eggs.
Chicken is a staple protein in many diets worldwide.
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Chicken
Typically slaughtered at older ages than Cornish hens.
The chicken had a firmer texture due to its older age.
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Chicken
A staple in a variety of cuisines.
Chicken curry is a popular dish in many cultures.
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Jan 04, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a Cornish hen?
It's a small, young breed of chicken, known for tender meat.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
How old are chickens when harvested?
It varies, but generally older than Cornish hens.
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Jan 17, 2024
What is a chicken in general?
A domesticated bird used for meat and eggs, varying in breed and size.
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Jan 17, 2024
Are Cornish hens more expensive than chickens?
Often, yes, due to their specialty status and tenderness.
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Jan 17, 2024
What's the best cooking method for chicken?
Chicken can be roasted, grilled, stewed, and more, depending on preference.
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Jan 17, 2024
Are Cornish hens only for special occasions?
While popular for special meals, they can be enjoyed anytime.
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Jan 17, 2024
Can I stuff a Cornish hen?
Yes, they are often stuffed for enhanced flavor and presentation.
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Jan 17, 2024
Is Cornish hen a good source of protein?
Yes, it's an excellent protein source.
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Jan 17, 2024
What part of the chicken is most flavorful?
Many people prefer the thigh for its juicy, flavorful meat.
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Jan 17, 2024
Is chicken a healthy meat option?
Yes, it's lean and nutritious, especially the breast meat.
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Jan 17, 2024
Can you roast a whole chicken?
Yes, chickens are versatile and can be roasted whole.
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Jan 17, 2024
Is Cornish hen suitable for large meals?
Due to its size, it's better for individual servings or small gatherings.
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Jan 17, 2024
Can chicken be used in gourmet cooking?
Absolutely, chicken is versatile for both everyday and gourmet dishes.
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Jan 17, 2024
Can Cornish hens be grilled?
Yes, they can be grilled, though their small size requires careful handling.
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Jan 17, 2024
How should I store leftover Cornish hen?
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.
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Jan 17, 2024
How do I know when a chicken is cooked thoroughly?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Jan 17, 2024
What are common chicken dishes?
Dishes like chicken soup, fried chicken, and chicken salad are popular.
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Jan 17, 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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