If you’ve ever found yourself craving something comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, Qdoba’s Tortilla Soup is a dish that effortlessly satisfies all those cravings. Imagine a warm bowl brimming with a rich, savory broth, tender shredded chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and the unmistakable crunch of tortilla strips on top. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun meal to impress friends with.
This recipe brings the magic of Qdoba right into your kitchen. And here’s the best part-you don’t need to be a professional chef or hunt down obscure ingredients. With some simple pantry staples, a little patience, and a sprinkle of love, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home, complete with all its layered flavors and textures.
Qdoba Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Qdoba-inspired tortilla soup is all about balance: savory, slightly smoky, and perfectly seasoned. The recipe combines tender shredded chicken, earthy beans, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic spices-all brought together in a rich, flavorful broth. The finishing touch? Crispy tortilla strips, melty cheese, and a dollop of sour cream that take the soup from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
It’s not just soup-it’s an experience. Every spoonful gives you the warmth of home-cooked comfort and the satisfaction of something indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this soup to life:
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Protein & Base
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
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Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (optional for a little heat)
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Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
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Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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Toppings
- Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade, baked or fried)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges for squeezing
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a soup that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing:
- Prep the ingredients: Dice your onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; mince the garlic. Shred the cooked chicken if it’s not already shredded.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Build the base: Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate beans and corn: Add black beans and corn. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Add chicken last: Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds depth of flavor, but poached or grilled chicken works too.
- Beans: Black beans are classic, but pinto beans or kidney beans can be used for a twist.
- Tortilla strips: Make them at home by cutting corn tortillas into thin strips and lightly frying or baking until crispy. It’s a game-changer for texture.
- Spices: Don’t skimp on cumin and smoked paprika-they give that signature warm, smoky flavor Qdoba is known for.
- Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control salt levels and customize flavor with your seasoning.
Expert Tips
- Simmer, don’t boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer so the flavors deepen without overcooking the chicken.
- Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portions: It freezes beautifully. Just add fresh toppings after reheating.
- Custom spice level: Adjust jalapeños or chili powder according to your heat preference.
- Texture variation: For a creamier version, blend 1/3 of the soup and stir it back in for richness without losing the chunky goodness.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, extra beans, and mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.
- Southwestern twist: Add roasted poblano peppers or a splash of chipotle in adobo for smokier heat.
- Cheese lovers: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese into the hot soup to melt it right in.
- Instant Pot version: Sauté vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes for a quick fix.
Final Words
Qdoba Tortilla Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s comfort in a bowl. The combination of rich, aromatic broth, tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and crispy tortilla strips delivers a symphony of flavors and textures with every spoonful. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to wow guests.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy, this recipe has your back. And the best part? You can tweak it endlessly to match your taste buds, dietary preferences, or spice tolerance.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Qdoba Tortilla Soup?
The main ingredients in Qdoba tortilla soup include chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, black beans, corn, and a variety of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. The soup is topped with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
How Can I Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup Vegetarian?
To make Qdoba tortilla soup vegetarian, replace the chicken with beans like black beans or pinto beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to enhance the flavor.
Can I Use Store-bought Tortilla Strips In The Recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought tortilla strips for convenience. However, making your own by frying or baking corn tortillas can add a more authentic and flavorful crunch to the soup.
What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Topping Qdoba Tortilla Soup?
Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend works best for topping Qdoba tortilla soup. It melts easily and complements the flavor profile of the soup.
Can I Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Qdoba tortilla soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients, such as chicken, broth, beans, corn, and spices, in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the tortilla strips and toppings just before serving.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Qdoba Tortilla Soup?
Store leftover Qdoba tortilla soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, avoid adding the tortilla strips until serving, as they can become soggy.
How Can I Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup Spicier?
To make Qdoba tortilla soup spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or extra chili powder or cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken For Qdoba Tortilla Soup?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for Qdoba tortilla soup. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup in the last stages of cooking.
Is Qdoba Tortilla Soup Gluten-free?
Qdoba tortilla soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the tortilla strips are gluten-free or by using corn tortillas. Additionally, use a gluten-free broth and check other ingredients for hidden gluten.
How Can I Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup Creamy?
To make Qdoba tortilla soup creamy, you can add heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese to the soup after it has cooked. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a similar creamy texture.