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Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas photo

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

This Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas is bursting with flavor! Perfectly tender chicken with a citrusy twist, it's a fiesta in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs using thighs adds richness
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 2 each chipotles with adobo sauce finely chopped or blended
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola not diet
  • 2 each bay leaves

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Cutting board and chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Forks or tongs

Method
 

  1. Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. If they are thick, pound them gently to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, smashed garlic cloves, chopped chipotles with adobo sauce, chopped jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the Coca-Cola, which will help to tenderize the chicken and add a unique flavor. Toss in the bay leaves for added aroma.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when it’s done.
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or tongs. Discard the bay leaves and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining juices for extra flavor.
  6. Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas in warm tortillas, over rice, or in burritos. Top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, diced onions, or avocado for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chipotles and jalapeños.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.