Cornish Hen vs Quail: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Cornish hen is higher in protein at 22.3 g, while quail is lower in calories at 134 calories per 100 g.

When comparing Cornish hen and quail, both are popular poultry choices with unique nutritional benefits. Understanding their calorie and protein content can help in meal planning.

What Is the Difference Between Cornish Hen and Quail?

Cornish hen is a young chicken known for its tender meat and is often roasted or grilled. It is a popular choice for special occasions due to its flavor and presentation. Quail is a small game bird that is often enjoyed for its delicate flavor and tender meat. It is commonly prepared in gourmet dishes and is a source of lean protein.

Cornish Hen vs Quail: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of Cornish hen and quail based on their nutritional content.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Cornish hen (roasted)	Quail
Calories	259 kcal	134 kcal
Protein	22.3 g	21.8 g
Carbs	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g
Fat	18.2 g	4.5 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	64 mg	51 mg

Which Is Better, Cornish Hen or Quail?

For weight loss: Quail is lower in calories at 134 calories compared to Cornish hen's 259 calories, making it a better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Cornish hen offers slightly more protein at 22.3 g compared to quail's 21.8 g, making it a better choice for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both Cornish hen and quail contain 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar, making them suitable for low-carb and low-sugar diets.

How to Track Cornish hen and Quail Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macronutrient content when preparing poultry dishes. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Cornish hen has 22.3 g of protein, while quail has 21.8 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Quail has 134 calories, while Cornish hen has 259 calories.

What is the fat content of Cornish hen?

Cornish hen contains 18.2 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content of quail?

Quail contains 51 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do both contain carbohydrates?

Both Cornish hen and quail contain 0 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in Cornish hen?

Cornish hen contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Cornish hen: 259 calories per 100 g.
• Quail: 134 calories per 100 g.
• Cornish hen: 22.3 g of protein per 100 g.
• Quail: 21.8 g of protein per 100 g.
• Both contain 0 g of carbs and sugar per 100 g.