Juicy Chicken Carnitas Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth
Tender, juicy chicken carnitas made easily in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 25 mins (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins (slow cooker) or 35 mins (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small bowl and mix well.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Add orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- For slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- For Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Optional: Broil shredded chicken for 3-5 minutes for crispiness.
Notes
- Use thighs for best texture, but breasts work too.
- Adjust cayenne for more or less heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg