Preparing Chicken Tortilla Soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create your delicious soup:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a simmer.
5. Incorporate Chicken and Tomatoes: Stir in the shredded chicken and diced tomatoes with their juices. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Add Beans and Corn: Add the black beans and corn to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Finish with Lime: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the lime juice for a fresh kick.
8. Prepare the Toppings: While the soup cools slightly, prepare your garnishes. Dice the avocado, chop the fresh cilantro, and make sure your tortilla strips are ready.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.

By following these simple steps, you will create an incredible Chicken Tortilla Soup that will tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone who tries it.