Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Yield: 8 -10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound pork butt roast; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup water or chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs of fresh thyme; 2 teaspoons whole juniper berries

User Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 hrs
Total Time
10 hrs 10 mins
Servings
8 -10 servings
Calories
315 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas Recipe

Kristin Morrison

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Copycat Chipotle Pork Carnitas Recipe: This is a wonderful way to create a flavorful, tender shredded pork that's perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. One of those easy meals everyone loves! P.S it tastes even better than the restaurant!

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Ingredients

Servings

1 pound pork butt roast fat cap trimmed leaving some on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup water or chicken broth
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 teaspoons whole juniper berries

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Instructions

Prep and Sear the Pork: Season the pork generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the pork in the pot and cook on both sides for 4-5 minutes each or until golden brown.
Place pork in the Slow Cooker (crock pot or instant pot): Move the seared pork to the slow cooker. Add the water, bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries. The water helps create steam and keeps the pork moist as it cooks.
Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Crisp It Up (Optional): For a crispy texture, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, rice, salsa, or any of your favorite toppings. A squeeze of lime, fresh jalapeno slices, and some fresh cilantro can really elevate the flavor.

Notes

Sear for Flavor: Browning the boneless pork in olive oil before slow cooking adds a deep caramelized flavor and helps lock in moisture.
Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Fresh herbs, bay leaves, and other aromatics bring layers of flavor that elevate the dish.
Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8-10 hours ensures the pork becomes tender and flavorful.
Crisp it Up: Broil the shredded pork briefly for those signature crispy edges that make carnitas so irresistible.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 315kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 0.1g (0%) Protein 42g (84%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 136mg (45%) Sodium 147mg (6%) Potassium 771mg (22%) Fiber 0.04g (0%) Vitamin A 13IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.4mg (0%) Calcium 33mg (3%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8-10 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 315 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	315kcal	16%
Carbohydrates	0.1g	0%
Protein	42g	84%
Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	7g	35%
Trans Fat	0.1g	5%
Cholesterol	136mg	45%
Sodium	147mg	6%
Potassium	771mg	16%
Fiber	0.04g	0%
Vitamin A	13IU	0%
Vitamin C	0.4mg	0%
Calcium	33mg	3%
Iron	3mg	17%