Qdoba-Inspired Loaded Tortilla Soup Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Added by kocky, August 20, 2024
soups → tortilla-soup
Mexican-American cuisine

This Qdoba-inspired loaded tortilla soup is a hearty, flavorful dish made with fresh ingredients like chicken, black beans, corn, and spices. A perfect homemade meal.

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 small corn tortillas, cut into strips and lightly toasted
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salsa verde. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Incorporate the Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Toast the Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
6. Assemble the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with toasted tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
7. Serve with Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup before serving for a burst of acidity that complements the rich flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Use Homemade Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
2. Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder. For a milder soup, omit the jalapeño altogether.
3. Add a Smoky Twist: If you love a smoky flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for an extra kick.
4. Prep Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and reheat before serving.
5. Toppings Variety: Experiment with different toppings like crushed tortilla chips, diced red onions, or a dollop of guacamole for added texture and flavor.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Tortilla soup, or "sopa de tortilla," has roots in Mexican cuisine, where it’s traditionally made with a rich broth, tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips. The Americanized version, popularized by restaurants like Qdoba, adds heartiness with ingredients like beans, corn, and chicken, reflecting the fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. This soup is a staple in Mexican households and is enjoyed across the world, particularly in the Southwest United States.

Reviews & Rating

Patric J. :

August 20, 2024

Loved this recipe! It’s easy to make and full of flavor. I added extra lime juice for a tangy twist—will definitely make it again.

Joana :

September 5, 2024

Absolutely loved this recipe! The homemade tortilla strips really cool. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Boris :

February 24, 2025

Hello, i want more spicy peppers. Some tips ? But not strong like hell.