Prepare the Chicken: Season 500 grams (about 1 pound) of chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly, then shred or slice it into small pieces.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced small carrot. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and become fragrant (about 5 minutes). Add 1 sliced bell pepper and 1 grated tomato, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add Broth and Rice: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of long-grain or jasmine rice. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Incorporate the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the other ingredients. Stir gently to ensure the flavors combine evenly.
Adjust the Flavor: Taste the soup and adjust the spice level to your preference. You can add more chili powder or turmeric for a bolder flavor. If the soup is too spicy, balance it by adding more broth or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the soup just before serving. Enjoy the soup hot with fresh bread or as a wholesome meal on its own!