Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Carnitas

Juicy Chicken Carnitas in Your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

This Chicken Carnitas recipe brings bold flavors and versatility, easily made in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carnitas
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Can swap for chicken breasts.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Peeled and smashed.
  • 3/4 cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice About 2 oranges.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice About 2 limes.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Oregano Fresh or dried.
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chipotle Powder Adjust to taste.
For Serving
  • Optional Toppings Romaine lettuce, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sliced jalapenos, lime wedges.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Carnitas
  1. Prepare the Garlic: Peel and smash 6 cloves of garlic, releasing their robust aroma.
  2. Mix the Carnitas Sauce: In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp oregano, and 2 tsp salt. Whisk until well blended.
  3. For Instant Pot Preparation: Place chicken thighs and smashed garlic in the Instant Pot. Pour sauce over chicken, toss to coat. Secure lid and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes. Allow a quick pressure release.
  4. For Slow Cooker Preparation: Add chicken thighs and garlic to the Slow Cooker. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from pot after cooking and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Optional Crispy Finish: Preheat oven to broil. Spread shredded chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with cooking juices, and broil for 7-10 minutes until crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best results, use fresh juices and store leftovers in cooking juices to retain moisture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!