Chicken and Tasso Jambalaya

Name: Chicken and Tasso Jambalaya
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 pound (2 cups) chopped tasso or other smoked ham; 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces (2 cups); 1 cup chopped onions, divided; 1 cup sliced celery, divided; 1 cup green bell peppers, divided; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 whole bay leaves; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, 3/4 cup; 1 cup diced tomatoes (I used strained canned tomatoes); 2 1/2 cups chicken stock; 1 1/2 cups converted white rice