What is the Difference Between Chicken and Cornish Hen?

Chicken and Cornish hen are two types of poultry that are often confused. Though they may look similar, there are some key differences between these birds that are good to know. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes chicken and Cornish hen unique.

Origin and Breeding

Chicken refers to poultry from the species Gallus gallus domesticus. Many breeds are in this group, such as Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, and Brahmas. The Cornish hen, on the other hand, is a hybrid breed that started in Cornwall, England, in the 1800s.

The original Cornish hen was bred from a cross between Cornish chickens and Plymouth Rock chickens. Cornish chickens were known for their large breast meat while Plymouth Rocks were valued as good egg layers. By combining breeds, the goal was to get a chicken with premium meat.

Today, while some farmers still raise purebred Cornish hen, major poultry producers use the term more loosely. The USDA defines Cornish hens as chickens under 5 weeks old and 2 pounds or less in weight. They don’t have to be a specific breed.

Size and Portions

The small size of Cornish hen is one of the biggest differences from chicken. A Cornish hen is an individual portion, weighing only 1-2 pounds Chicken is much larger, with a whole chicken weighing 3-5 pounds on average

Because of their petite size, Cornish hens are always sold whole. Chicken has more versatility and can be cut into pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc

Age at Harvest

One reason for the size difference is that Cornish hens are harvested at a younger age. Chickens raised for meat are typically slaughtered between 6-8 weeks. Cornish hens are harvested between 4-5 weeks, so they are more tender and delicate.

The younger harvest age also contributes to some differences in taste and nutrition profile which we’ll discuss next.

Flavor and Texture

Most people don’t notice a big difference in taste between Cornish hen and chicken. Both have a mild, delicate flavor. However, the texture can vary. The meat from Cornish hens is usually more tender because the birds are younger and have smaller bones.

The breast meat of Cornish hen might be slightly juicier as well, due to its higher ratio of white meat and because it hasn’t had as much time to be toughened through physical activity.

Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition, Cornish hens and chicken are fairly similar:

• Both have a lot of protein (20 to 25 grams per 3 ounce serving). Because of this, they are a great way to keep your energy up or build muscle.

• Cornish hens are slightly lower in fat and calories because they are younger. A 3 oz. serving of roasted Cornish hen has 140 calories and 3.5g fat, compared to 160 calories and 5g fat for roasted chicken breast.

• Cornish hens contain more niacin, which is a B vitamin that supports brain function and may help lower cholesterol.

Overall, the differences in nutrition are minor. Both Cornish hen and chicken are lean sources of protein and nutrients.

How to Cook

Cornish hens really shine when roasted whole. Because they are small, they cook quickly—at 450°F, in about 25 minutes. The high heat helps the skin get crispy. You can also roast the chicken whole, but it takes almost twice as long.

Other cooking methods like grilling, sautéing, or braising work for Cornish hens too. But the versatility of chicken opens up many more possibilities like stir fries, chicken parmesan, tandoori chicken, etc.

• Breeding: Chicken refers to many breeds, while Cornish hen is a specific hybrid chicken.

• Size: Cornish hens weigh only 1-2 lbs while chickens are 3-5 lbs.

• Age: Cornish hens are slaughtered younger at 4-5 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for chickens.

• Texture: Cornish hen meat is more tender.

• Nutrition: Cornish hens are slightly lower in fat and calories.

• Cooking: Chicken is more versatile but Cornish hen excels when roasted whole.

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of how these two poultry options compare. Though they are quite similar, the unique qualities of Cornish hen make it stand out as an elegant and tender choice for a special meal.