White Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients (16)

• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained OR 8 ounces dry white beans
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chilies
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped, optional
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can use breast meat, but thighs will work better), trimmed of excess fat and diced into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, optional
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bay leaf