Place chicken in a stockpot; add enough water to cover chicken. Stir in bouillon, butter and bay leaves. Slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, 1 to 1-½ hours.

Remove chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly. Strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander. Skim off and discard fat. Remove meat from bones and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces; discard bones.

Return 4 cups broth to pot; save remaining broth for another use. Bring to a boil. Stir in noodles. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes.

Stir in chicken, salt and pepper. If desired, garnish with parsley.