Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

medium carrots (, peeled and chopped fairly thin (1 3/4 cups))

medium yellow onion (, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups))

stalks celery (, chopped fairly thin (1 1/4 cups))

garlic (, minced)

extra virgin olive oil

low-sodium chicken broth ((3 - 15 oz cans))

water

dried thyme

dried rosemary (, crushed)

dried sage ((optional))

celery seed (, finely crushed)

bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)

uncooked wide egg noodles

chopped fresh parsley

fresh lemon juice

Saltine crackers or parmesan cheese (, for serving (optional))