The Poussin — also known as a Spring Chicken — is a beautifully tender young bird, prized for its delicate texture and subtle flavour. At 400–550g, it’s perfectly portioned for one, and seriously impressive on the plate.
Price range: £5.58 through £6.82
The Poussin, often referred to as a Spring Chicken, is a young bird celebrated for its exceptional tenderness and fine, delicate texture. Smaller than a standard chicken and typically weighing between 400–550g, it’s ideally sized to be served whole — one bird per person — making it a striking and satisfying centrepiece for individual servings.
Because of its youth, the meat is especially soft and succulent, with a gentle flavour that readily absorbs marinades, brines, and smoke. Recently, we tried ours soaked in a spicy brine for several hours before smoking — and the result was something else entirely. The heat from the brine paired beautifully with the natural tenderness of the bird, while the smoke added depth and richness. It’s a versatile, elegant choice that delivers both refinement and bold flavour when you want it to.