Instructions

  1. In 4-1/2 to 6-quart slow-cooker bowl, combine water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, 4 t salt, 1/2 t pepper.
  2. Place whole chicken on top of vegetables.
  3. Cover slow cooker with lid and cook as manufacturer directs on low setting 8 to 10 hours or on high 4-5 hours.
  4. Transfer chicken to cutting board. Discard bay leaves. Add noodles to slow-cooker; cover with lid and cook (on low or high) 20 minutes.
  5. While noodles cook, remove and discard skin, fat and bones from chicken; shred meat.
  6. Skim fat from soup and discard. Return chicken to soup to serve.