Chicken Carnitas
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
189 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Chicken Carnitas
Description
Chicken Carnitas combines chicken thighs with a mixture of chicken broth, lime and orange juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and oregano, cooked low and slow in a slow cooker or under pressure in an Instant Pot. This method tenderizes the meat while infusing it with citrusy and mildly spicy flavors. After cooking, shredding the chicken allows for easy serving and texture. A quick broil further crisps the edges, adding a pleasant contrast to the moist interior.
The resulting carnitas are brightened with additional fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, enhancing the fresh and zesty profile. These carnitas work well in Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, nachos, or mixed bowls where crispy, juicy chicken is desired.
Using chicken thighs is preferred for their fat content and tenderness, but chicken breasts can also be used if desired. Keeping the cooking liquid to moisten the chicken when serving or reheating helps maintain juiciness. Increasing heat with chipotle powder or cayenne is an option for those seeking added spice.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ - 3 pounds chicken thigh or breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons lime juice divided (about 2 limes
- ½ cup orange juice about 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ cup cilantro for serving, chopped
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Add the chicken, chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano to the slow cooker.
- Stir together, cover, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it with a fork. Arrange the shredded chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and pour the chicken juices and broth from the slow cooker on top.
- Place directly under the broiler and broil for 5-6 minutes or until crispy.
- Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Add the chicken, chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano to the Instant Pot and secure the lid.
- Turn the pressure valve to sealing, select Manual (or Pressure Cook), and pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the pressure valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it with a fork. Arrange the shredded chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and pour the chicken juices and broth from the Instant Pot on top.
- Place directly under the broiler and broil for 5-6 minutes or until crispy.
- Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness compared to breasts.
- Broiling after shredding creates the signature crispy edges typical of carnitas.
- Reserve and pour cooking liquid over shredded chicken to keep it moist when serving or reheating.
- Add chipotle powder or ground cayenne to increase spiciness, if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 189kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 135mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 589mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 452mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 441IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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