1. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the sliced bell peppers and onion.
- Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks and return them to the pot.
5. Finish with Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Optional: Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra creaminess.