2 carrots, peeled, halved lengthways, thinly sliced
2 sticks celery, halved lengthways, sliced
4 leeks, halved lengthways, thinly shredded
2 litres/3陆 pints chicken stock (or water)
12 ready-to-eat dried prunes, shredded
3 bay leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 x 1.5kg/3lb 5oz ready-to-cook chicken