Heartwarming Chicken Soup Delight

Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat.

Add onion to hot oil.

Cook onion for 3 minutes until translucent.

Add sliced carrot to pot.

Stir in sliced celery.

Cook vegetables for 5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic to pot.

Stir garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add chicken to pot.

Pour chicken broth into pot.

Add dried thyme and bay leaf.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring soup to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Check chicken for doneness.

Remove chicken from pot.

Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to pot.

Optional: Add noodles to pot.

Cook noodles until tender, according to package instructions.

Optional: Add rice or cubed potato to pot.

Cook until rice or potato is tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optional: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving.