If you love tender, flavorful, and slightly crispy carnitas but want an easier, hands-off approach, then this Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas recipe is for you! With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken ready to be piled onto tacos, bowls, or salads. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something delicious, this dish delivers. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Super Flavorful: A perfect balance of spices, citrus, and slow-cooked goodness.
Versatile: Great for tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on its own.
Meal Prep Friendly: Makes a big batch that stores and reheats beautifully.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
Here’s what makes this dish irresistibly delicious:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Orange and Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that build rich flavor.
Spices: A mix of cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder gives a deep, smoky taste.
Bay Leaf: Infuses the chicken with a subtle depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the carnitas after slow cooking.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these irresistible chicken carnitas:
Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season generously with all the spices.
Add Citrus & Aromatics: Pour in the orange and lime juice, then add garlic, onion, and bay leaf.
Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, letting it soak up the flavorful juices.
Crisp it Up (Optional): For authentic carnitas texture, spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and broil for 5 minutes until crispy.
Serve & Enjoy: Pile onto warm tortillas, bowls, or salads, and top with your favorite garnishes!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and toppings. Here are a few serving ideas:
Taco Night: Serve with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, avocado, and crumbled cheese.
Burrito Bowls: Load up with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
Salad: Toss it over a crisp salad with a zesty dressing.
Quesadillas: Stuff into a tortilla with melted cheese for a delicious twist.
Nachos: Layer over tortilla chips with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Additional Tips
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Thighs hold moisture better than breasts.
Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: It adds authentic crispiness to the carnitas.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later: Freeze in portioned bags for easy future meals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pork instead of chicken?
A1: Yes! Pork shoulder works great with the same seasoning and cooking method.
Q2: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A2: Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then natural release.
Q3: How do I keep my carnitas from drying out?
A3: Be sure to let the chicken soak in its juices before serving.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q5: What toppings go best with chicken carnitas?
A5: Avocado, fresh cilantro, diced onions, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Q6: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A6: Yes! Simmer the chicken in a covered pot for about an hour until tender.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Warm in a skillet with a little oil to keep them crispy.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Q9: How can I make it more citrusy?
A9: Add extra orange zest and lime juice for a brighter flavor.
Q10: Can I use frozen chicken?
A10: Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas is the ultimate fuss-free meal that delivers bold flavors and endless possibilities. Whether you’re making tacos, bowls, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how you serve it!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas recipe is incredibly easy to make and packed with bold, savory flavors! The chicken is slow-cooked until tender, then crisped in the oven for that perfect golden brown finish. It’s a versatile dish perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or meal prep. Try it with fresh avocado, lime wedges, or pico de gallo for an irresistible meal!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
For Serving:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Chopped lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- White rice
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Crisp the Carnitas:
- Preheat the oven to broil (high).
- Transfer the shredded chicken to a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Pour some of the remaining braising liquid over the chicken.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve with lime wedges, avocado, lettuce, pico de gallo, or rice.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Make it spicy by adding extra chipotle powder or diced jalapeños.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg