Clear Chicken Consommé with Herb Float

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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
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Ingredients

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.

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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.

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