In a large pot, melt your butter as it foams, add your onions and garlic. As these begin to brown, add your thyme, salt,pepper, and garlic powder. Now add your chicken and brown it on both sides. Then add your carrots & celery. Cook these all together for about 2 minutes. Then add your water and lemon juice. Put the lid on the pot and cook for two to three hours.
Once the chicken is cooked remove it from the pot, remove all the meat and add the meat back to the soup ( I don't like picking out bones from my soup). Save the bones for broth if you want. Take the skin and lay it on a flat baking sheet and cook at 300F till they are golden brown and crispy.
Once you've added your chicken meat back to the pot, stir occasionally for about 30 minutes and serve.
Add additional lemon juice or salt to taste.
Enjoy!