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–+ servings
Chicken Carnitas

Juicy Chicken Carnitas: Quick and Easy for Tasty Meals

This Chicken Carnitas recipe is a flavorful, low-carb dish perfect for quick weeknight meals and meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Slow Cooker Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Peeled and smashed.
For the Sauce
  • 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
For Serving
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce Use for low-carb option.
  • Chopped Cilantro
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Sliced Jalapenos
  • Lime Wedges

Equipment

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

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Carnitas
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and chipotle powder.
  2. Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker. Add the smashed garlic cloves, then pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
  3. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 25 minutes. Perform a quick release once cooked.
  4. For Slow Cooker, cover and set to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
  5. Once cooking time is complete, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the cooking juices.
  6. For crispy edges, spread shredded chicken on a sheet pan, pour some cooking juices over, and broil for 7 to 10 minutes.
  7. Serve your Chicken Carnitas warm in lettuce wraps, tacos, or salads with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in cooking juices to retain moisture; ideal for reheating.

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