Dice the bacon and cook in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon bits and set aside on a paper towel, leaving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
Add the diced yellow onion and celery to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced red potatoes, the juice from the canned clams, and the chicken bone broth to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot powder into the whole milk until no lumps remain.
Pour the milk mixture and the chopped clams into the pot, stirring gently to combine.
Simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until the chowder has thickened slightly, ensuring it does not reach a rolling boil.
Season with sea salt and black pepper, then serve hot topped with the reserved crispy bacon.