5 from 30 votes
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas are made by cooking seasoned chicken thighs with aromatic onion wedges and citrus juices in a slow cooker until tender. The shredded chicken is then crisped in a skillet with vegetable oil to develop a slightly caramelized, crisp exterior while remaining juicy inside. The blend of spices and acidity delivers classic carnitas flavor suitable for tacos, bowls, or other meals.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
12
Servings
Calories:
346 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion , cut into wedges
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 orange , juiced
- 1 lime , juiced
- 1 lemon , juiced
- 1 jalapeño , deseeded and sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper coarse ground
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Add the onions to your slow cooker, then top with the chicken (skin side up).
- Add the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice and lemon juice.
- In a bowl mix the jalapeno, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin and sprinkle it all over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for on high for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and remove the skin and bones before shredding with a fork.
- Add half of your vegetable oil to your skillet on medium high heat with half the chicken and allow to crisp for 3-4 minutes before flipping and cooking 3-4 minutes.
- Repeat with remaining vegetable oil and remaining chicken before serving.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
346kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Cholesterol
97mg
(32%)
Sodium
771mg
(32%)
Potassium
476mg
(10%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
201IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
20mg
(22%)
Calcium
46mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 346kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 771mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 476mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 201IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.