Chicken Corn Chowder

Name: Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 8 ounces bacon, cut into strips crosswise; 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, 1 dice; 1 onion, small dice; 2 celery stalks, small dice; 1 red bell pepper, small dice; 12 ounces red potatoes, small dice; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 pounds fresh or frozen corn; 3 cups chicken stock + more as needed; 3 cups half and half; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; sea salt, to taste