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Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

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  • Author: mohamed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Total Time: 375 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Tender, flavor-packed chicken carnitas slow-cooked to perfection, perfect for tacos or warm tortillas.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Tortillas, for serving
  • Toppings (e.g., cilantro, diced onions, avocado)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s spread out evenly for optimal cooking.
  2. Add flavorful ingredients: Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. Layer in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper.
  3. Mix it up: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Cook it right: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Shred and flavor: Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix in the lime juice.
  6. Serve with love: Warm up your tortillas and create your carnitas masterpiece, topped with your favorite fresh ingredients.

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate in flavor for a few minutes. Skipping the lime juice can dull flavors.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg