Mock Chicken and Dumplings

Melt butter or oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrots; saute for 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in chicken and cook for 3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, stirring occassionally.

While chicken mixture cooks, whisk water and flour together until smooth. Gradually stir the broth into the chicken mixture, then stir in the flour/water mixture. Next stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in tortilla strips and cook for 3 minutes, or until tortilla strips get soft. Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf and serve.