Chance's Chicken Spezzatino
1 (32 ounce) carton low-sodium chicken broth 1 bay leaf 1 onion, chopped 1 tablespoon dried basil 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, or to taste 2 (14 ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained a… 2 red bell peppers, chopped 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt, or to taste 3 ounces tomato paste 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 ounces pancetta bacon, diced