Step 1

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Place in a large stockpot and add 2 1/2L (10 cups) cold water. Add onion and bay leaves (top with a saucer to keep chicken submerged). Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, skimming impurities from the surface, for 30 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 2

Remove chicken from pan. Carve off the breast fillets either side of the breast bone, remove and discard skin and set aside.

Step 3

Return the chicken carcass to the pot, add the leek, parsnip, carrot and celery, then season. Cook for a further 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Remove chicken from the pot, and shred the remaining meat from legs and thighs, discarding skin. Shred meat from the reserved breast fillets.

Step 5

Return shredded chicken to the pan with spinach leaves. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to packet instructions. Drain.

Step 7

Divide the noodles among bowls, ladle over the soup, then garnish with parsley and dill sprigs to serve.