What is the term for a young chicken?

The term specifically used for a young chicken, particularly one that is raised for meat production, is "broiler" or "fryer." These terms refer to chickens that are typically harvested when they are still young, usually around 5 to 10 weeks old, and are known for their tender meat. In commercial poultry production, these types of chickens are bred specifically to grow rapidly to meet demand.

"Cornish hen" is often misused in this context; it refers to a specific breed used to produce what is marketed as a smaller type of broiler and is generally slightly older than the typical broiler. "Capon" is a castrated male chicken that is also raised for meat but is older and has distinct taste profiles. The term "tom" usually refers to male turkeys, not chickens. Therefore, the most accurate answer for a young chicken is broiler or fryer.