Add the bell pepper, onion, celery and carrots and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, cook and stir for another 30 seconds.
Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring. Add the reserved chicken, sausage, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and pepper.
Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pull out the thyme stems and discard (most of the leaves will have fallen off). Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate and allow to cool. When cool, pull the chicken apart into bite-size pieces and return to the pot. Serve warm on its own or with jasmine or basmati rice.
See Café Tips above in post for more detailed instructions and tips.
This recipe serves 8-10.