Drain the canned 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately, pouring all the juice into a Measuring Cups. Set the 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately aside. Add bottled 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately as needed to bring the total liquid to 2 cups.

Line a Baking Sheet with Aluminum Foil, extending it up the sides to catch grease. Optionally place a Wire Rack on top for better airflow and crispier bacon. Lay strips in a single layer — close but not overlapping. No oil or extra seasoning needed.

Set Oven to 400°F. You can start bacon in a cold oven as it preheats, or wait until fully preheated — both work. Use an external Meat Thermometer if your oven runs inaccurate. Start checking at 14–15 minutes. Thin-cut: 10–14 min. Standard-cut: 15–20 min. Thick-cut: 20–22 min. No need to flip. Check every couple of minutes after the first check — overdone happens fast. Pull bacon just before it looks done; it keeps cooking for a minute or two off the heat.

Add the 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the Pot with the bacon fat over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced 1 yellow onion diced and 3 stalks celery diced. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add the 3 cloves garlic minced and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle the 4 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will look thick and paste-like — that's exactly right.

Slowly pour in the reserved 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately and 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the broth thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

Add the diced 1 ½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes to the Pot. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until the 1 ½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes are fork-tender, about 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep the heat low — you want a gentle bubble, not a rolling boil.

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 pinch cayenne pepper (if using). Let the chowder warm through gently for 3–5 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream or it may curdle.

Add the reserved 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately and most of the cooked 4 slices thick-cut bacon cut into small pieces back into the Pot. Stir gently and heat for 2–3 minutes just until the 3 can chopped clams juice reserved separately are warmed through. Taste and adjust 1 tsp kosher salt plus more and ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground as needed.