Quick and Easy Chicken Carnitas

User Reviews

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Marinating time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    300 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American, Tex-Mex

Quick and Easy Chicken Carnitas

Flavorful Chicken Carnitas are made with marinated chicken thighs that are cooked until tender and juicy. Then, they're shredded and can be served in a variety of ways, from tacos to bowls or nachos. The best family dinner that tastes better than what you would get at a restaurant!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 organic oranges zest and juice of
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves pressed
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional to serve:

  • shredded lettuce, cooked rice, halved cherry tomatoes or pico de gallo, jalapeño, avocado, Mexican cheese, etc
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Instructions

  1. Place the thighs and sliced onion in a deep dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a jug, whisk the orange juice, zest, oil, garlic, pepper flakes, paprika and oregano. Pour this mixture over the chicken and move around to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
  3. Once you're ready to cook the chicken, preheat the oven to 425ºF. Remove the chicken from the marinade and transfer to a sheet pan. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until almost cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully shred it using 2 forks. Spread the shredded chicken around your sheet pan and broil for 4-6 minutes, stirring each 2 minutes, or until it start to get golden and slightly crisp.
  5. Serve the chicken carnitas in bowls or tacos.

Notes

  • Storing recommendations:
  • In the refrigerator: Transfer the shredded chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • In the freezer: Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or over the stove on medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 300kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 34g (68%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.03g Cholesterol 162mg (54%) Sodium 749mg (31%) Potassium 563mg (16%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 691IU (14%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 300 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 300kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 34g 68%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Cholesterol 162mg 54%
Sodium 749mg 31%
Potassium 563mg 12%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 691IU 14%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent

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