Crock Pot Tortilla Soup

I made this the other day and it was big hit with the whole fam. Super easy and fun for a cold day!

2 chicken breasts
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (I used one can tomatoes)
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 mild green chile, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 corn tortillas, halved and cut into 1/4 inch strips
shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a little for each serving
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro or
Italian parsley

Preparation:

Combine chicken breasts, onion, garlic. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Put in crock pot and add tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper and green chiles. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours. Heat oil in large skillet and add tortilla strips. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until crisp; drain on paper towels. If desired, put a tablespoon or 2 of shredded Monterey Jack cheese in each serving bowl. Ladle tortilla soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips; sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley (I added the cilantro about a half hour before serving--I like the flavor it gave the soup).