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+ servings
Chicken Carnitas

Juicy Chicken Carnitas You Can Make in an Instant Pot!

Experience flavorful Chicken Carnitas in an Instant Pot, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs The star of the show!
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
For the Sauce
  • ¾ cup fresh squeezed orange juice about 2 oranges
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice about 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon cumin impacts earthy warmth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder adds mild heat
  • 2 teaspoons oregano fresh or dried
  • 2 teaspoons salt adjust according to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder adds smokiness and heat
Optional Toppings
  • romaine lettuce or tortillas for wrapping
  • chopped cilantro for freshness
  • sliced avocado creamy addition
  • sliced jalapeños for extra kick
  • lime wedges for a burst of brightness

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • tongs
  • Sheet Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Carnitas
  1. In a medium bowl, combine fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and chipotle powder. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Place chicken thighs into the Instant Pot, scatter the smashed garlic on top, and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  3. For Slow Cooker: Add chicken thighs to the base, follow with smashed garlic and sauce, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  4. Once cooked, remove chicken using tongs and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Retain the juices for later use.
  5. For a crispy finish, preheat oven to broil, arrange shredded chicken on a sheet pan, drizzle with reserved juices, and broil for 7-10 minutes.
  6. Serve in warm tortillas or lettuce wraps, garnished with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust spices to preference.

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