Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.Add chicken to the pan in batches to avoid over-crowding. Sear the chicken 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Place seared chicken on a paper towel to drain.Add chicken to the bottom of a crockpot, and add diced onion and minced garlic.Cover the chicken with the canned green chiles, beans, and chicken broth. Stir.Add bay leaf, chili powder, and cumin and stir.Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.Shred the chicken and remove bones, then cover and keep on "warm" setting until ready to serve.Taste the soup and add salt if you'd like to.Top with anything you like! I like sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and crumbled tortilla chips.