Add the chicken, carrots, onion and celery to the slow cooker. Add the salt, pepper, thyme and pour over the chicken broth. Stir. Add the bay leaves.
Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
After the 8 hours are up, cook the noodles on the stove top according to their package directions.
Shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker.
Drain the noodles well and add to the soup in the slow cooker. Stir and serve!
Video
Notes
Can I use cooked chicken such as a rotisserie chicken?Yes, but keep in mind you get a more flavorful soup using raw chicken. If you need to use cooked chicken use 2-3 cups in lieu of the raw chicken.Can I put my noodles uncooked into the slow cooker?NO! The slow cooker doesn't get hot enough fast enough and the noodles will be chalky and mushy. Cook the noodles as stated on the package, drain and add to the soup in the slow cooker.Can I freeze this?Yes, this soup freezes great. Freeze for up to 3 months.My soup is too thick?Add water or more chicken broth. The soup will tend to thicken the longer the lid has been opened or after it has been refrigerated.