them simmer for another 6 hours. if they’re still not soft, discard any that are not easy to mush up!!
5. use the slotted spoon to scoop out the chicken meal into the 5gal bucket. (in my case now, it’s the big plastic concrete mixing tub, found at any hardware store; they’re really handy.) add the macaroni (or rice) to the crock pot and let it cook in the left over chicken broth. add more water if needed. yes, you can cook the macaroni or rice separately and discard the broth if you really want… but the chef in me says to save that broth for some awesome chicken and dumplings, 