Prepare The Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Saute The Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Simmer the Soup Base: Pour in diced tomatoes (both varieties) and chicken broth. Add frozen corn, black beans, bay leaf, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Shred The Chicken: While the soup simmers, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks.
Incorporate Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the simmering soup. Allow the flavors to meld for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve And Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips.