Techniques
Sauces
Skill
Intermediate
3 min

Make crystal-clear broth by simmering uncovered and skimming foam

Cook broth on low heat without a lid, never boiling, and skim suds as they appear.

For clear chicken broth, keep heat low and uncovered for at least 3 hours, avoiding a boil. Skim foam/suds during cooking; add aromatics later in the simmer.

The short version

  • Low heat, uncovered
  • Never boil
  • Skim foam for clarity
  • Add aromatics later

How to do it

  1. 1

    Cook chicken broth on low heat, uncovered, for at least 3 hours.

    Do not let it boil.

    Watch this step
  2. 2

    Skim suds/foam as they appear.

    Watch this step
  3. 3

    After about 1.5 hours, add parsley, celery, carrots, and onions.

    Watch this step

What goes wrong

Boiling stock hard

Keep it at low heat and avoid boiling

Leaving foam in the pot

Skim as it appears

Why it works

Gentle simmer reduces agitation that clouds broth; skimming removes proteins that would otherwise disperse.

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