Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder

boneless skinless chicken breast (, cooked and shredded (3 cups))

slices bacon (, cooked and crumbled*)

butter (, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces)

large red bell pepper (, diced (1 1/2 cups))

medium yellow onion (, diced (1 1/4 cups))

jalapenos (, seeded for less heat if desired, finely chopped)

garlic (, minced)

all-purpose flour

low-sodium chicken broth

medium russet potatoes (, peeled and diced slightly less than 1/2-inch thick (3 cups))

bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)

fresh or frozen corn

half and half

Green onions and seeded (, finely chopped jalapenos (optional), for serving)