Generously spray a large, 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Combine 'add first' ingredients in slow cooker. Season to taste.
Stir well. Press everything in an even layer, pressing chicken below everything.
Cover and cook on high for 3 and ½ to 5 hours, on low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily. Turn off slow cooker.
Remove chicken, pull off fat, and discard. Shred meat with two forks or dice with a knife.
While shredding chicken, add cream and stir through. Add in freshly shredded Cheddar gradually, stirring until melted before adding more.
Return shredded chicken and stir through. Add the juice from 1 lime and cilantro if using. Taste and adjust seasoning until flavors sing!
Ladle soup into bowls and add desired toppings.
