Grilled Hen with Spicy Rub

Hen meat generally has a richer flavor and is slightly more gamey than chicken. 

The meat is tender and juicy, with a slightly firmer texture than chicken. The taste of hen meat can also vary depending on the age and breed of the bird, as well as how it is prepared and seasoned. Some people describe the taste of hen meat as having a deeper and more pronounced flavor than chicken.

What is a hen? A hen is a female chicken that is usually raised for its eggs and meat. They are slightly larger and meatier than their male counterparts, known as roosters or cocks. Hens come in various breeds, colors, and sizes and can lay up to 300 eggs annually. They are social creatures that like to flock together and can be raised in backyard or commercial settings.

Difference between hens and chickens. The term chicken is often used to refer to both male and female birds, but strictly speaking, a chicken is a type of bird that belongs to the species Gallus gallus domesticus. Hens are female chickens that are raised for their eggs and meat, while roosters or cocks are male chickens that are usually raised for meat or breeding purposes. Hens are generally smaller and have lighter and rounder combs than roosters. They also tend to be more docile and social than roosters, making them easier to handle and care for in backyard settings.

Grilled Hen with Spicy Rub

Ingredients

1 whole hen, cleaned and cut into pieces

2 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make a spicy rub.

Rub the spicy mixture all over the hen pieces, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Cover the hen and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.

Grill the hen pieces for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the juices run clear and the hen is cooked through.

Drizzle the grilled hen with lemon juice and serve hot.

What is a hen and the difference between hens and chickens and cornish hens?

A hen is a female chicken that is over one year old. The main difference between hens and chickens is that chickens refer to both male and female chickens, while hens refer only to female chickens. Hens are usually kept for their eggs, while chickens can be kept for meat or eggs.

A Cornish hen, also known as a Rock Cornish game hen, is a type of small chicken weighing 1-2 pounds. Despite the name, it is not a game bird but a cross between Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chicken breeds. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a texture similar to chicken. 

Cornish hens are often used in cooking for their small size and tenderness and can be roasted, grilled, or braised. They are often served whole, with one hen per person, making them popular for individual portions or special occasions.

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