Creating delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup involves straightforward steps. Follow these guidelines:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Ingredients: To the pot, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
4. Shred the Chicken: While the soup cooks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Finish with Lime: Just before serving, stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors.
7. Prepare Tortilla Strips: If desired, fry or bake tortilla strips until crispy.
8. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.

By following these steps, you can create an incredible Chicken Tortilla Soup that is sure to wow your diners!