Chicken Carnitas Recipe (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)
Total Time
1 hour and 10 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(40)
Ingredients
12 servings
- 1 onion- diced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 6 garlic cloves- rough chopped
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (optional- for heat)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or GF Braggs Liquid Amino Acids ( or one bouillon cube)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or a couple of bay leaves)
- 1 can diced green chilies (optional)
- 3 lbs chicken- boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (left whole)
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Preparation
Step 1
If baking in a Dutch oven, preheat oven to 400F (See notes for instant pot and slow cooker)
Step 2
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, saute 2 minutes, stirring. Add garlic, turn heat to medium, and saute for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and golden and onions are tender. Add spices and salt, toasting for 1-2 minutes
Step 3
Add water, soy and vinegar. Add oregano and optional green chilies. Stir.
Step 4
Place chicken in the liquid. At this point, you could place it all in your instant pot or slow cooker (see notes)
Step 5
Bring to a simmer. Cover and either simmer on the stove on med-low for 45 minutes or place in the hot oven.
Step 6
If cooking breasts, check at 35-40 minutes, they may be done depending on thickness and size. Thighs will need the whole 45 minutes, perhaps a little more, again, depending on size.
Step 7
You’ll know if the meat is done when it’s 165-170F, or when it is tender and shreds easily with two forks. Shred the meat, then simmer gently on the stove until some of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 -10 more minutes.
Step 8
Crisp it up!
Step 9
If you like crispy carnitas, simmer until all the liquid is gone, (or drain well) then pan sear in oil to crisp, or place on a sheet pan, spray with spray oil, and broil in the oven.
Step 10
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