Easy Potato Corn Chowder Recipe

Name: Easy Potato Corn Chowder Recipe
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon (cut into 1/2 chunks); 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 cup onion (minced (white or yellow)); 1 cup celery (diced into 1/2 chunks); 2 tablespoons garlic (minced); 1¾ pounds Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1/2 pieces); 2 teaspoons hot sauce (Franks Sauce or similar); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 2 large bay leaves; 2 cups milk; 3 cups frozen corn; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; bacon bits; 2 tablespoons chives (sliced thin); 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped)