Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 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.

Step 2

Place whole chicken on top of vegetables.

Step 3

Cover slow cooker with lid and cook as manufacturer directs on low setting 8 to 10 hours or on high 4-5 hours.

Step 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.

Step 5

While noodles cook, remove and discard skin, fat and bones from chicken; shred meat.

Step 6

Skim fat from soup and discard. Return chicken to soup to serve.