If you're a fan of Qdoba's tortilla soup, this homemade version is going to be your new favorite. It's jam-packed with shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, charred peppers, and blistered onions. It's a comforting, hearty, and delicious soup the whole family will live. And it couldn't be easier to make. Just a handful of simple steps are all you have to follow to make it.
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Why I Love This Recipe
When I go to Qdoba, I almost always get their tortilla soup. It's one of my go-to orders.
So, I'm sure you can imagine how excited I was when my friend Al shared his homemade take on it with me. He had me over for dinner at his place about a month ago, and I've been hooked on it ever since. I mean, it is soup season, after all.
Anyway, after tweaking his recipe for Qdoba's chicken tortilla soup ever so slightly, I came up with what I think is the absolute closest homemade version possible.
And, well, it's so, sooooo good. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I love how easy it is to throw together for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this tortilla soup:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ cup poblano pepper, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons jalapeños, seeded and diced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups canned fire-roasted tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup tomatoes, crushed
- 1½ cups shredded chicken
Optional Garnish:
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup
Just a handful of simple steps are all you have to follow to make this tortilla soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices
In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and poblano pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Step 2: Blend the Broth and Tortillas
In a blender, combine the chicken broth and tortillas. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Chicken
Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and shredded chicken. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed. If desired, stir in a bit of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to add creaminess to the broth.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips for extra crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!
My Expert Tips
- Blending the Tortillas: Blending corn tortillas into the broth creates an authentic texture that’s thick and hearty. Don’t skip this step!
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and perfect for shredding.
- Char the Poblanos: For extra smoky flavor, char the poblano peppers on a gas stovetop or under the broiler before dicing.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or include a pinch of cayenne if you like extra heat.
FAQ's About This Qdoba Tortilla Soup Recipe
Can I freeze this tortilla soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
What toppings go well with this tortilla soup?
Toppings like avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice pair wonderfully with this soup.
How can I make it spicier?
Add extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
My Final Thoughts
This homemade Qdoba tortilla soup recipe has been running on repeat in our house, and I'm sure if you give it a try, it'll be doing the same thing at your house, too.
It’s just too hearty, satisfying, and delicious not to. Plus, it couldn't be easier to make.
As always, if you give it a shot, let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below!
More Soup Recipes to Try Next
- Carrabba's spicy chicken soup
- Viral lasagna soup
- Creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup
- Cabbage soup
- Carrabba's sausage lentil Soup
Quick And Easy Homemade Qdoba Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
If you're a fan of Qdoba's bold and flavorful tortilla soup, this homemade version is going to be your new favorite. Packed with shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and the unique addition of blended tortillas for an authentic texture, this recipe is comforting, hearty, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ cup poblano pepper, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons jalapeños, seeded and diced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups canned fire-roasted tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup tomatoes, crushed
- 1½ cups shredded chicken
Optional Garnish:
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices
In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and poblano pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Step 2: Blend the Broth and Tortillas
In a blender, combine the chicken broth and tortillas. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Chicken
Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and shredded chicken. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed. If desired, stir in a bit of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to add creaminess to the broth.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips for extra crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 CupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 494mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 10g
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