Cut the celery stalks into 1-inch pieces

Quarter the onion

Add the water to a large pot

Place the whole chicken in the pot

Add the half the carrots, half the celery, and pepper to the water

Bring to a boil over high heat

Reduce heat to medium

Simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the top

Transfer the chicken to a bowl and let it cool, about 20 minutes

Strain the broth, discarding the vegetables

Return the broth to the large pot

Add the remaining carrots and celery to the broth and simmer over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.

When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the chicken carcass, discarding the skin & bones

Shred the chicken and add it to the broth

Continue simmering over medium heat for 10 minutes

Ladle into individual bowls

Serve