Corn Chicken Chowder

Name: Corn Chicken Chowder
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (or 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs); 1 teaspoon salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 1 small onion (small dice); 3 large celery stalks (sliced); 1/3 cup all purpose flour; 4 large garlic cloves (minced); 4 cups chicken broth; 3 medium potatoes (peeled, cut into bite sized chunks); 12 ounces corn (or 3 corn cobs); 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 3/4 cup low fat milk; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half); optional toppings: cheese, chopped green onions, bacon, hot sauce