Gather all your ingredients: chop the carrots into thin slices, dice the onion finely, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and set everything aside.
Place your crockpot on low heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent—your kitchen will fill with a warm aroma.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the sliced carrots, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with herbs.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, the vegetables soft and infused with herbs, and the broth flavorful and comforting.
About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and stir in the egg noodles if using. Cover again and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the soup is bubbling gently.
Remove the bay leaf and taste the broth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy that warm, nourishing bowl of comfort.