5 from 564 votes
Chipotle Carnitas Copycat
Chipotle Carnitas Copycat is a slow-cooked shredded pork dish flavored with bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries for a piney depth. The pork is cooked until tender enough to fall apart, creating juicy, flavorful meat ideal for tacos and bowls.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
12
servings (about 1/2 cup each)
Calories:
177 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 (3 1/2 to 4 pound) pork butt roast fat cap trimmed to 1/8-inch (see note 1
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 large sprig thyme fresh
- 2 teaspoons juniper berries see note 2, whole
Instructions
- Season all sides of pork liberally with salt and pepper and place in slow cooker. To the bottom of the slow cooker, add water, bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The meat should fall apart easily.
- Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks. Skim fat off liquid in slow cooker if desired. Discard juniper berries and any thyme sprig stems. Serve shredded pork in tacos, burritos, salads, and burrito bowls.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder roast with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Juniper berries contribute a unique piney flavor that distinguishes this recipe from typical carnitas.
- This recipe yields about 6 cups of shredded pork, approximately 12 servings of ½ cup each.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0.5 cup
Calories
177kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
0.3g
(0%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
0.05g
(3%)
Cholesterol
79mg
(26%)
Sodium
86mg
(4%)
Potassium
449mg
(10%)
Fiber
0.02g
(0%)
Vitamin A
5IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0.1mg
(0%)
Calcium
19mg
(2%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings (about 1/2 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 177
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5 cup | |
| Calories | 177kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.3g | 0% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.05g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 79mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 86mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 449mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.02g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 5IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.