Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

Instructions

1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot with water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, skimming foam from the surface occasionally.
2. Remove chicken and let cool enough to handle. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve — you now have the most beautiful, golden homemade chicken broth. Discard the spent vegetables.
3. Pull the chicken meat from the bones, discarding skin and bones. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
4. Return broth to pot. Add fresh carrots, celery, and thyme. Simmer 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season generously with salt and pepper — homemade broth needs more salt than you think.
5. Add egg noodles and cook according to package. Return chicken to the pot. Serve with fresh parsley and crusty bread.