Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Chowder ***

This was pretty good.  The kids really liked it.  It could have used something more, but I'm honestly not sure what.  I did end up adding some instant mashed potato flakes, since it never would thicken up for me.  That made it pretty good.  I'd have it again, but I would definitely still add the mashed potatoes.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN AND CORN CHOWDER
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ DamnDelicious)

4 slices bacon, diced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
12 ounces red potato, diced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cups corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
4 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup half and half
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
Place chicken, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and corn into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth, garlic, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
In a small bowl, whisk together half and half and cornstarch. Stir in half and half mixture and butter during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Serve immediately, topped with bacon and garnished with chives, if desired.
OP's Notes: Half and half is equal parts of whole milk and cream. For 1 cup half and half, you can substitute 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream.
*luckymommy/Amy's notes: I added about a cup of instant mashed potato flakes to thicken it up at the end.