Chicken Tortilla Soup

I really don't like starting another blog post saying, "I haven't posted in a while", so I won't. :-) But really...I'm sorry! I know I've been a slacker about posting. The thing is, I've actually been cooking and baking a lot. I don't know where my head has gone with posting.  Anyways....

Tonight's dinner was Chicken Tortilla Soup. Now, I can't actually take credit for this recipe since I found it on Pinterest, so I'll link you to her site just in case you want to look around. Chicken Tortilla Soup As an aside...how amazing is Pinterest?!? I can't stop looking up recipes and cooking! Not that this is a bad thing as you can see from tonight's meal.
Ok, I'm getting off track here. This is the recipe. So easy, so quick to prepare, and so delicious. It's the perfect Fall meal, and it's also great because you just throw it in the crock pot and walk away. !!! Nice!

Chicken Tortilla Soup
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used a package of boneless, skinless chicken tenders that I had & it worked well)
2 cans Ro-Tel (I used the Mild flavor, but you can add whatever kind you'd like depending on if you like it spicy or not)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn (use fresh corn if you have it)
1 onion, chopped
2 cans low-sodium chicken broth (14 oz. size)
1 1/2 cups of water
1 Tbsp. garlic powder*
1 Tbsp. chile powder*
1 Tbsp. cumin powder*
1 Tbsp. dried cilantro*
*You can also use a packet of chicken taco seasoning instead of the spices if you'd prefer.*
Garnishes (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado

Put chicken broth, water, beans, corn, onion, and spices in the crock pot. Stir to combine. Put chicken breasts in the mixture, and make sure they're partly submerged in the liquid. Cook the soup 6-7 hours on  high or 8-9 hours on low. I took the chicken out half way through and shredded it. The actual recipe said to take it out at the end. I liked shredding it and placing it back in the seasoned liquid for a few more hours. I feel it allowed the chicken to soak up more flavor. The process at that point is really up to you. :-)
Once the soup is done, serve yourself a nice hearty bowl and garnish with your favorite toppings. You'll have to let me know if you try this recipe. It blew me away!!!