QDOBA Gets Cozy with New Chicken Tinga and Returning Fan-Favorite Tortilla Soup

Beginning November 3, guests can warm up with bold and smoky Chicken Tinga, Tortilla Soup loaded with customizable toppings and savory Queso Fundido

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Temperatures are dropping, but the flavor is heating up at QDOBA. Beginning today, guests can enjoy a lineup of warm, handcrafted flavors inspired by traditional Mexican comfort foods, featuring NEW Chicken Tinga, the return of fan-favorite Tortilla Soup and recently launched Queso Fundido.

At the heart of QDOBA's comfort season is Chicken Tinga, a new limited-time flame-grilled chicken in a savory, smoky sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices. The combination of ingredients in Chicken Tinga brings bold, comforting flavor to any create-your-own entrée – which always comes with free, hand-crafted guac and queso.

The idea for Chicken Tinga took shape during Chef Katy Velazquez's travels in Mexico, where she experienced the dish prepared from scratch in a family home. QDOBA brings that inspiration to life with a smoky, savory take tailor-made for sweater weather.

"Comfort food often begins with simple ingredients prepared with care, and Chicken Tinga is a perfect example," said Chef Velazquez, VP, Culinary Innovation at QDOBA. "The combination of smoky peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes and warming spices creates rich, layered flavor that's hearty and satisfying. Pair it with our savory Queso Fundido or a bowl of our beloved Tortilla Soup for the ultimate fall comfort meal that will warm you from the inside out."

Build Your Perfect Comfort Meal

Guests can add Chicken Tinga to their favorite burrito, bowl, nachos, tacos or kids meal. Like every QDOBA entrée, each order can be customized with flavorful toppings, salsas and sauces – including free guac and Signature 3-Cheese queso or spicy Queso Diablo.  

Also returning is QDOBA's Tortilla Soup, made with a vegan broth featuring tomatoes, onions, garlic, poblanos, bell peppers and jalapeños. Fans eagerly await its return each fall and can enjoy it by the cup or as a hearty Loaded Tortilla Soup with their favorite QDOBA protein and toppings, all served in a crunchy tortilla shell bowl. Tortilla Soup is available for a limited time at participating locations.

Rounding out the lineup is Queso Fundido, an indulgent dip combining QDOBA's Signature 3-Cheese Queso, seasoned ground beef, picante ranch and cilantro. The flavor-packed dip offers another way to indulge in cozy-season cravings, whether enjoyed as a snack, added to a meal or included in a catering spread.

With Chicken Tinga, Tortilla Soup and Queso Fundido all on the menu, guests can create a different comfort-food combination for every craving!

What to Know About Comfort Season at QDOBA

• What is new at QDOBA for comfort season?
  Beginning November 3, QDOBA's comfort season lineup features NEW Chicken Tinga, the return of seasonal fan-favorite Tortilla Soup and recently launched Queso Fundido.

• What is QDOBA's Chicken Tinga?
  Chicken Tinga is a limited-time protein made with QDOBA's flame-grilled chicken and a savory, smoky sauce featuring fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices.

• When is Chicken Tinga available at QDOBA?
  Chicken Tinga is available beginning November 3 for a limited time at participating QDOBA locations nationwide.

• How can guests order Chicken Tinga?
  Guests can add Chicken Tinga to create-your-own burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, kids meals and to Loaded Tortilla Soup.

• Can Chicken Tinga be ordered in a QDOBA kids meal?
  Yes! Chicken Tinga can be selected as part of a QDOBA kids meal at participating locations.

• What is QDOBA's Tortilla Soup?
  QDOBA's Tortilla Soup is a savory, vegan broth made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, poblanos, bell peppers and jalapeños. Fans can enjoy it by the cup – topped with sour cream and tortilla strips – or customize it as a Loaded Tortilla Soup entrée by adding their favorite protein and toppings.

• Is QDOBA's Tortilla Soup vegan?
  The Tortilla Soup broth is vegan. However, guests can choose to add their favorite proteins and toppings to meet individual dietary preferences.

• What is Queso Fundido at QDOBA?
  Queso Fundido is a dip that combines QDOBA's Signature 3-Cheese Queso with seasoned ground beef, picante ranch and cilantro for a warm, indulgent take on a traditional Mexican favorite.

• How can guests enjoy Queso Fundido?
  Guests can enjoy Queso Fundido as a side with QDOBA's freshly fried tortilla chips or add it to a catering order, including a Chips & Dip Party Pack or Catering Hot Bar add-on.

• Where can guests order QDOBA's comfort season menu?
  Guests can order at participating QDOBA restaurants, through QDOBA.com or using the QDOBA mobile app.

About QDOBA Mexican Eats

About QDOBA Mexican Eats QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with 885 locations in 46 states across the U.S., as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA prepares fresh ingredients by hand in-house throughout the day and flame-grills its chicken and steak to create a variety of bold, flavorful menu options. Guests can experience delicious offerings at QDOBA by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrées, including a free portion of signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole on any create your own entrée.

For seven consecutive years, QDOBA has ranked among the top fast-casual restaurants in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards – including six years at #1. QDOBA was also recently named one of Yelp's Most Loved Airport Brands, a distinction based on extensive analysis of ratings and reviews from travelers.

Discover more at QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

SOURCE QDOBA Restaurant Corporation