white bean and chicken soup

Soups & Salads

By using chicken thighs instead of breasts, F&W's Melissa Rubel gives this hearty, jalapeño-spiked soup ultrarich flavor.

3 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch dice
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chile powder blend
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
three 15-ounce cans navy beans, drained
tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded monterey jack cheese, cilantro and diced avocado, for serving

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the oil until shimmering. Add half of the chicken at a time and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned all over, about 8 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Add the onions to the casserole and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until tender, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant. Add the flour, chile powder, cumin, oregano and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the stock, navy beans and chicken and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until the chicken is very tender, 30 minutes.
Uncover and simmer the soup over moderate heat until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper and serve with the tortilla chips, sour cream, Jack cheese, cilantro and avocado.