Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

( 3 pound ) whole chicken

Water just to cover (or use stock for richer flavor)

large pinches of kosher salt

celery rib with leaves, cut into large chunks

large carrot , cut into large chunks

medium onion quartered

large bay leaf

reserved homemade stock , or 2 (32 ounce) cartons of chicken stock/broth

chicken base (like Better Than Bouillon ), optional

garlic cloves , chopped

stalks of celery , halved lengthwise & sliced

carrots , sliced

parsnip , chopped, optional

of a large onion , diced

diced fresh ginger, optional

dried thyme

Freshly ground pepper

Large handful of frozen peas

Large handful of frozen corn

Optional veggies: mushrooms, diced potato, diced turnip, chopped leeks, sliced scallions, green beans, etc.

dried parsley , plus additional for garnish

Cooked egg noodles or cooked rice