Grilled Hen with Spicy Rub | African Chicken Recipe

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Grilled Hen with Spicy Rub

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

Hen meat is tender, juicy, and slightly firmer than regular chicken. Its flavor deepens with age and breed, giving it a more pronounced taste. Many describe hen meat as richer and more satisfying — perfect for African-style grilling and stews.

What is a Hen?

A hen is a female chicken raised for eggs and meat. Hens are slightly larger and meatier than roosters and can lay up to 300 eggs per year. They are social birds that thrive in flocks, commonly raised in both backyard and commercial farms across Africa.

Difference Between Hens and Chickens

The term chicken refers to both males and females of the species Gallus gallus domesticus. Hens are female chickens valued for eggs and meat, while roosters or cocks are males often raised for meat or breeding. Hens have smaller, rounder combs and are typically calmer — making them ideal for household farming.

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
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Rub the spice blend evenly over the hen pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
4. Grill the hen pieces for 6–8 minutes per side or until juices run clear and meat is fully cooked.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve hot.

Hen, Chicken, and Cornish Hen — What’s the Difference?

A hen is a mature female chicken, while “chicken” refers to the entire species — both male and female. A Cornish hen, or Rock Cornish game hen, is a small hybrid chicken breed weighing 1–2 pounds. Despite its name, it isn’t wild game — just tender, flavorful, and perfect for roasting or individual servings.

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