Elise Bauer

-ounce cans white beans, drained OR 1/2 pound dry white beans

olive oil

 medium onion, chopped, about 1 1/2 cups

 clove garlic, minced, about 1 teaspoon

ground cumin

teaspoon cayenne pepper

teaspoon ground cloves

chopped green chilies

teaspoons dried oregano

jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional)

 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

 cups chicken stock

 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

salt

garlic

bay leaf