Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Name: Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 1-1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1/2 cup chopped onion; 3 tbsp butter; 1 to 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup hot water; 2 tsp chicken bouillon granules; 1/2 to 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 can cream-style corn ((14-3/4 oz)); 1 can chopped green chiles (undrained (4 oz)); 1/4 to 1 tsp hot pepper sauce; 1 medium tomato (chopped); Minced fresh cilantro and fried tortilla strips (optional)