1. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged.
2. Cook the Soup:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
4. Cook the Noodles:
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in the egg noodles and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Adjust and Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice (if using) for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.