The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas Recipe for Flavor Fans

Mexican cuisine offers a delightful slow cooker chicken carnitas that melts in your mouth with incredible flavor.

Tender meat infused with zesty spices creates a mouthwatering experience for anyone seeking authentic taste.

Succulent chicken transforms into a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Aromatic cilantro and lime bring bright notes to this classic dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical in your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness when you let your slow cooker work its magic.

Savor every bite and prepare to impress everyone around your dining table.

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas That Fall Apart

• Effortless Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy families, this slow cooker chicken carnitas recipe requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum flavor with just a few simple steps.
• Quick and Convenient Cooking: With total cooking time under 6 hours and minimal hands-on preparation, this dish allows you to walk away and let the slow cooker do the hard work while delivering deliciously tender meat.
• Versatile Serving Options: From tacos and burritos to salads and rice bowls, these carnitas can be easily transformed into multiple meals, making them ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd with different taste preferences.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: By broiling the shredded chicken at the end, you create irresistible crispy edges that add texture and depth, while the optional toppings like lime, avocado, and pico de gallo let everyone personalize their meal.

Chicken Carnitas in Slow Cooker Base

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat perfect for slow cooking, bone-in or boneless work well, dark meat provides richer taste.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano: Classic Mexican spice combination that adds deep, warm flavor profile, use fresh ground spices for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste, kosher salt recommended for better distribution.

• Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Adds bright citrus notes and helps tenderize meat, fresh juices provide better flavor than bottled.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and helps prevent meat from drying out, low-sodium version allows better control of salt levels.

• Garlic, Onion: Provides foundational savory depth, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.

• Lime Wedges, Avocado, Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Rice: Optional accompaniments that complement carnitas, fresh ingredients enhance overall dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas Steps

Step 1: Marinate The Magical Chicken

Grab a slow cooker and toss in your chicken thighs.

• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Onion
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so the chicken gets coated in a tantalizing marinade.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Into Tender Goodness

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily falls apart and looks super juicy.

Step 3: Shred Like A Pro

Pull the chicken out of the slow cooker.

Using two forks, gently pull and tear the meat into delicious, bite-sized shreds.

The chicken should look beautifully tender and inviting.

Step 4: Create Crispy Carnitas Magic

Turn your oven to broil.

Spread the shredded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the meat to keep it moist.

Slide the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the edges become wonderfully crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Build Your Flavor Feast

Pile the carnitas onto warm tortillas or serve over rice.

• Diced avocado
• Zesty pico de gallo
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco

Enjoy your mouthwatering homemade chicken carnitas!

Chicken Carnitas Slow-Cook Tricks

• Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts to ensure moist and flavorful carnitas with rich texture and natural fat content.
• Add a splash of orange juice or beer to the braising liquid for enhanced complexity and traditional Mexican taste profile.
• Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning; adjust oven rack position and timing for perfect golden-brown edges without drying out meat.
• Swap chicken for pulled pork or jackfruit to accommodate different preferences while maintaining similar cooking method and seasoning.
• Store shredded carnitas in airtight containers with some braising liquid to maintain moisture, keeping refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

How to Store Chicken Carnitas Without Drying Out

• Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to preserve moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Pack cooled carnitas in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum quality and taste.
• Spread carnitas on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little broth to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
• Place carnitas in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Side Ideas For Chicken Carnitas

• Spark Mexican Street Taco Magic: Perfectly pair these chicken carnitas with zesty accompaniments that elevate every bite.
• Select Authentic Tequila Pairing: Complement the rich, crispy chicken with a smooth silver tequila or refreshing margarita that cuts through the meat's bold flavors.
• Craft Vibrant Side Companions: Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and a bright, tangy pico de gallo to create a balanced and exciting plate that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine.
• Enhance with Fresh Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the carnitas and provide an ice-cold Mexican cerveza like Modelo or Pacifico to refresh the palate and highlight the dish's complex seasonings.

Chicken Carnitas Slow Cooker Versions

• Low-Carb Mexican Bowl: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini noodles for a nutrient-packed, low-carbohydrate alternative.
• Instant Pot Version: Transfer ingredients to pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick-release method for faster preparation.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with jackfruit or firm tofu, using same spices and cooking method for plant-based carnitas-style protein.
• Gluten-Free Meal Prep: Serve in corn tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas, ensuring complete gluten-free compatibility for sensitive diets.

FAQs

• What are chicken carnitas?

Chicken carnitas are a Mexican-inspired dish where chicken is slow-cooked until tender, then crisped up under the broiler for a delicious mix of juicy and crispy textures.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs work best because they’re more flavorful and stay moist during slow cooking. Chicken breast can dry out more easily and become tough.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier variety of chili powder to increase the heat level in the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spice blends and seasonings to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing additives.

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Juicy slow cooker chicken carnitas bring Mexican street food magic right to home kitchens. Tender, spice-rubbed chicken shreds easily into delectable tacos that transport you straight to authentic flavor paradise.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) lime juice
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced

For Serving:

• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Avocado slices
• Chopped lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• White rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by combining all ingredients, ensuring a thorough blend of flavors that will infuse the chicken with rich, zesty notes.
2. Submerge the chicken in the aromatic liquid, allowing it to simmer gently in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low, creating tender, succulent meat that easily falls apart.
3. Carefully extract the chicken from the braising liquid, using two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces.
4. Activate the oven’s broiler to its highest setting, creating an intense heat that will transform the shredded chicken.
5. Spread the chicken evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring maximum surface area for crisping.
6. Drizzle select portions of the reserved cooking liquid over the chicken, enhancing moisture and intensifying the flavor profile.
7. Position the sheet under the broiler, watching closely as the edges crisp and caramelize to a golden-brown perfection, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. Present the carnitas with an array of accompaniments such as fresh lime wedges, creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, vibrant pico de gallo, or fluffy rice, allowing diners to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption during slow cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more robust taste profile.
• Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan when broiling to ensure each chicken piece gets crispy edges and caramelization.
• Drain excess liquid before broiling to prevent steaming and promote better browning of the carnitas.
• Customize this recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free spices and checking seasoning ingredients.
• Meal prep friendly: Store shredded carnitas in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze leftover carnitas in portions for quick future meals, maintaining flavor and texture for 2-3 months.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg