1/2 pound bacon
6 ounces pearl onions, peeled, or 1 medium onion, diced
1 cup peeled, shredded carrots (optional)
1/2 cup diced celery (optional)
1 Anaheim, poblano, or jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and finely diced, or more to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 cups (32 ounces) homemade chicken stock or low-sodium store-bought chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 15-ounce cans white beans (any kind), drained and rinsed
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper