Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is probably one of my favorite soups.  I love it.  The Lokodi's came to visit and Lindsey tried some and she loved it too.  It really is so delicious.  My changes are noted with **.  Most of my changes are made merely out of laziness.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1 Recipe Taco Chicken (**I generally just put some southwest type seasoning on my chicken)
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
4 cans chicken broth
1 15oz. can chopped or diced tomatoes
2 jalapeno peppers(if you are scared, try serrano peppers; they're milder--**Will has issues with spicy foods so I generally just omit the peppers)
1/4 c. fresh lime juice (3-4).  Don't even think of buying the stuff in a bottle.
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Toppings:

Store-bought tortilla chips, or 2-3 corn tortillas, plus oil for frying (**I like to buy the tortilla strips instead of chips.  I find them at WalMart in the condiment isle, near the croutons)
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Grated or crumbled cotija cheese (**I just use mozzarella or pepper jack)
1/4 c. cilantro

Early in the day, begin marinating the chicken (**I skip this.  I just get out my George and sprinkle some southwest  seasoning on my chicken).  Right before you start preparing the soup, start grilling it.

In a large crockpot, heat some olive oil (I can tell you right now that you'll never hear the words EVOO from my mouth.  Or my fingers) over  medium heat.  Add chopped onion and saute 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic and minced jalapeno and cook a few minutes more until pepper is softened and garlic is fragrant.  Add chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and allow to simmer 15-20 minutes.

While soup is simmering, juice the limes and set aside.  Start preparing the toppings:  grate the cheese, chop the cilantro, cut up the avocado or prepare the guacamole, and fry the tortillas.  Right before serving, add lime juice and chicken to the soup.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Ladle soup into the bowls and add desired toppings.