Mexican White Bean & Chicken Soup

Sauté (or microwave) the vegetables
If you’re using a slow cooker, first cook the vegetables on the stovetop or in the microwave. To microwave, combine all of the ingredients, including the olive oil, onion, celery, peppers, garlic, cumin and oregano in a large heatproof bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Microwave on high, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 6-8 minutes. Otherwise, heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or large pot (use a pot if you're cooking the soup on the stovetop) over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery and peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin and oregano, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. At this point you can either finish cooking the soup on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
If cooking on the stovetop
If cooking on the stovetop, add the can of green chiles, beans, chicken and broth to the pot with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending on how much time you have and/or how lazy you’re feeling (this is a very forgiving soup), or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
If cooking in the slow cooker
If using a slow cooker, scrape the vegetables into the slow cooker, and add the can of green chiles, beans, chicken and broth. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Finish and serve
Taste the soup and season it with more salt and pepper as needed (the beans soak up flavor, so you may need more than you think!). To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it with the toppings of your choice.