Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and a little translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the garlic and jalapeño. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic—we’re aiming for perfume, not a campfire.
Stir in cumin and chili powder. Toast briefly to wake up the spices—about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add shredded chicken, corn, and cilantro. Simmer for 8–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Stir in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust—seasoning is what makes it sing.
For tortilla strips, heat a little oil in a skillet and fry strips until crisp, or bake them for a lighter option. Top the soup with the crispy strips just before serving.