0 from 6 votes
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!
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
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Place the thighs and sliced onion in a deep dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the chicken carnitas in bowls or tacos.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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.