Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas are easy to prepare with minimal effort and a family favorite! Perfect for busy nights!
Carnitas are typically made with pork but I decided to change it up and make with chicken. And wow, did they turned out delicious! Even my family enjoyed it as much as I did. Needless to say there were no leftovers.
And the best part of this recipe is that everything is cooked in the slow cooker so it does all the work for you and easy cleanup. That’s a win-win!
Just set and forget it and dinner is ready. All you need to do is create an assembly line of all the toppings and tortillas and let everyone build their own carnitas. And if your lucky to have leftovers, it’s just as good the next day.
What is Carnitas?
Carnitas is a Mexican dish made of shredded or pulled pork that has been slow-cooked until tender and crispy. The Spanish translation for carnitas is “little meats” or “small meats,” which refers to the small pieces of pork that are traditionally used in the dish.
What You Need
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Orange juice
- Lime juice
- Chicken broth
- Kosher salt
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
Recipe Variations
- Use pork in place of chicken.
- Can swap boneless chicken breasts for chicken thighs.
- For crispy carnitas, transfer shredded chicken to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until edges are crispy.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over top for a more citrusy flavor.
How to Make Chicken Carnitas
- Place chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with salt, cumin, chili powder and dried oregano. Add minced garlic on top. Pour in chicken broth, lime juice and orange juice.
- Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken with 2 forks and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve with Chicken Carnitas
- Peach salsa with homemade tortilla chips
- Refried beans
- Blue Aloha margarita
- Guacamole with chips
- Loaded nachos
- Frito taco casserole with sour cream
FAQs
Can I freeze the leftover chicken carnitas?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What are some toppings for chicken carnitas?
Some toppings for chicken carnitas include chopped cilantro, diced onion, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Can I make chicken carnitas in advance?
Yes, you can make chicken carnitas in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Gravy
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with salt, cumin, chili powder and dried oregano. Add minced garlic on top. Pour in chicken broth, lime juice and orange juice.
- Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken with 2 forks and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
Leave a Reply