Country Captain

Ingredients

• 1 (3–4-lb.) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, (3/4 cup tomato juice reserved)
• 3 tbsp. curry powder
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1⁄3 cup currants, plus more for garnish
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups steamed white rice, for serving
• Peanuts, for garnish