Mount Rainier Chili

This recipe comes from the cookbook Simply Classic, The Junior League of Seattle which is a collection of tremendous recipes all under one cover. This is one I truly love and make often

• Ready In: 4 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 12-14

Ingredients

• 1  lb  great northern while  beans, rinsed and picked over
• 2  lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2  cups onions, chopped
• 4  medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (4 ounce) cans  chopped mild green chilies
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8  cups  chicken stock
• 1 (12 ounce) can beer
• 3  cups monterey jack cheese, shredded and divided
•  sour cream
•  salsa
•  fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

1. Place beans in a large, heavy pot. Add enough cold water to cover by at least 3 inches. Cover and soak overnight.
2. Place chicken in a large, heavy saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a simmer. Cook until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool. Remove skin and cut chicken into cubes.
3. Drain beans into large colander. Heat oil in same pot. Add onions and saute over medium-low heat until translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, green chiles, cumin, oregano, cloves and cayenne. Saute 2 minutes. Add beans and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 hours. Add additional water if necessary. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and bring to a simmer before continuing.) Add chicken, beer and 1 cup of cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Ladle chili into bowls. Serve with remaining cheese, sour cream, salsa and cilantro leaves to sprinkle on top.
4. To quick-soak beans, add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to boil, cover and remove from heat. Soak for 2 hours.