5.0 from 3 votes
Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas Recipe
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!
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
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.