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. This includes many different breeds like Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, and Brahmas. On the other hand, Cornish hen is specifically a hybrid breed that originated 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 find little difference between the flavor of Cornish hen vs. chicken. Both have a mild, delicate flavor. However, the texture can vary. Since Cornish hens are younger with smaller bones, the meat tends to be more tender.
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:
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Both are high in protein, providing 20-25g per 3 ounce serving. This makes them a great option for building muscle or maintaining energy.
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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.
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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. Their small size allows them to cook quickly, in about 25 minutes at 450°F. The high heat helps the skin get crispy. Chicken can also be roasted whole, but 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.
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Breeding: Chicken refers to many breeds, while Cornish hen is a specific hybrid chicken.
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Size: Cornish hens weigh only 1-2 lbs while chickens are 3-5 lbs.
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Age: Cornish hens are slaughtered younger at 4-5 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for chickens.
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Texture: Cornish hen meat is more tender.
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Nutrition: Cornish hens are slightly lower in fat and calories.
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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.
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FAQ
Does Cornish hen taste different from chicken?
Cornish hens generally have a more delicate and slightly sweeter flavor compared to regular chicken. They are also known to be more tender due to being harvested at a younger age.
Is Cornish hen healthier than chicken?
Cornish hens are generally considered a healthier option compared to regular chicken due to their lower fat and calorie content.
Can one person eat a whole Cornish hen?
For most Cornish hens in the 1.25 to 1.5 pound range, one bird serves one person. Larger hens can be split in half to serve two guests.
How big is a Cornish hen compared to a chicken?
In practical terms, a Cornish hen is basically a small chicken that serves one. Specifically, Cornish hens are about half the size of an average chicken.