One Pot Chicken Perloo

Name: One-Pot Chicken Perloo
Ingredients: 1 (3-lb.) whole chicken, patted dry; 1 tsp. black pepper, plus more for garnish; 3 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil; 1 medium-size yellow onion, chopped (about 11/2 cups); 3 medium celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup); 1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup); 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 Tbsp. minced garlic (from 6 cloves); 8 oz. smoked turkey neck pieces; 5 (4-inch) thyme sprigs, plus leaves for garnish; 2 fresh or dried bay leaves; 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed; Thinly sliced scallions