Craving an elegant meal that feels special but comes together in a flash? Meet your new favorite weeknight wonder: Instant Pot Poussin with Bacon and Cherry Tomatoes. Poussin, a small, young chicken, is known for its incredibly tender meat and delicate flavor. When cooked under pressure, it becomes fall-off-the-bone succulent in a fraction of the time it would take to roast. We’re elevating this simple bird with the savory crisp of bacon and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, creating a rich, flavorful sauce right in the pot. Forget complicated roasting; this is gourmet made easy!
Ingredients
• 1 medium-sized poussin, about 1 lb / 450g
• 3 tbsp / 42g butter
• 1 cup / 170g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups / 475ml chicken stock
• 7 oz / 200g bacon, chopped
• Spices
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the poussin dry with paper towels. Season the entire bird generously with salt and white pepper.
3. Place the seasoned poussin inside the Instant Pot. Pour the chicken stock around the bird and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
4. Secure the lid, ensuring the steam release handle is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 40 minutes on high pressure.
5. While the poussin cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. Once the Instant Pot timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
7. Gently remove the poussin from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the tender poussin whole or carved, topped with the crispy bacon and a spoonful of the tomatoes and cooking liquid.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 501 | Total Fats 32.6g | Net Carbs: 2.3g | Protein 46.7g | Fiber: 0.5g
Pro Tips
• For crispy skin, carefully remove the cooked poussin and place it under your oven’s broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• To build more flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot to brown the bacon first. Remove the bacon, then briefly sear the seasoned poussin in the rendered fat before pressure cooking.
• Don’t discard the liquid! After removing the poussin, turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water to create a delicious gravy.
• Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a bay leaf to the pot before cooking to infuse the poussin and sauce with aromatic, earthy flavor.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is a poussin
A: A poussin is a small, young chicken that is highly regarded for its incredibly tender meat and delicate flavor. It’s perfect for an elegant single-serving meal.
Q: Can I make the poussin skin crispy with this recipe
A: Yes, for crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked poussin from the Instant Pot to an oven-safe dish and place it under your broiler for 2-4 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Q: How long does it take to cook poussin in an Instant Pot
A: For a 1 lb (450g) poussin, you will pressure cook on high for 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release before quick releasing the rest.
Q: What should I do with the liquid left in the pot
A: The cooking liquid is full of flavor and can be turned into a delicious gravy. After removing the poussin, set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the liquid into a sauce.
