Poach the chicken

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• Cover with water and bring to a boil.
• Simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Debone and strain

• Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly.
• Debone the chicken and shred the meat.
• Strain the broth and reserve it.

Sauté the vegetables

• Melt the butter in a large pot.
• Sauté the carrots, onion and celery for a couple of minutes.

Soften the vegetables

• Cover the vegetables with water.
• Simmer until mostly soft.

Build the soup

• Add the reserved broth to the pot and bring back to a simmer.
• Add the noodles and the shredded chicken.
• Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder and parsley, adding water if needed.

Finish and serve

• Simmer until the vegetables and noodles are tender.
• Serve hot, with saltine crackers if desired.