Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A pristine broth where fresh herbs become visible only when lifted from the surface, revealing a vibrant finish. This french-inspired soups (low sodium) ready in about 225 minutes pairs pounds Chicken bones, chopped Carrots, stalks, chopped Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 85 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 French cuisine 85 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, combine chicken bones, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add 10 cups water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 3 hours, skimming occasionally to keep broth clear. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding solids.
  3. Step 3: Return the strained broth to the pot and simmer uncovered for 1 hour to reduce and clarify. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped dill. Ladle into bowls, ensuring the herbs float visibly on the surface.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds chicken bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float low sodium?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes