Chicken Carnitas

A white cast iron pan filled with tender chunks of shredded chicken, topped with cilantro, onions, tomatoes and avocado.

5 from 1 vote

This Mexican pulled chicken recipe is perfect for tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more! The vibrant flavors of citrus and garlic just get better as the chicken sits for a day, so it's a great make-ahead or meal prep recipe. Use chicken breasts or chicken thighs! See notes below for making this in a slow cooker instead of an instant pot.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: servings

Calories: 257kcal

Author: Michelle Miller

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
3 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Marinade

1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
6 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons sea salt

Instructions

Marinade

Add all marinade ingredients into a small bowl, and whisk to combine. Set aside.

Chicken Carnitas

Heat Instant Pot on the saute setting for 3-5 minutes to allow to get hot. Add avocado oil, and several chunks of chicken. Don't overcrowd, or the chicken will not brown. Season with salt and pepper, and turn chicken to sear all sides.
Remove browned chicken from the pot, and add more chunks of chicken. Repeat until all chicken is browned.
Turn the Instant Pot off Saute, and set it to Manual for 15 minutes (for breasts). Return all the chicken to the pot, and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the lid, and allow the chicken to pressure cook. Set to Manual for 10 minutes if using chicken thighs.
Preheat oven to Broil (the following steps are optional but help concentrate the flavors and crisp up the edges of the chicken).
Allow the pressure to release through the steam valve, then remove chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken with forks (leave some in chunkier pieces), and place on a large baking tray.
Pour 1/3 of the marinade left in the pot over the chicken, and broil for about 4 minutes.
Flip the chicken over, and add another 1/3 of the marinade.
Serve chicken drizzled with the remaining juice from the pot. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired.

Video

Notes

How to Store Carnitas: Store leftover chicken in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze carnitas?: Absolutely! I wrap it up tightly in freezer bags, and freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. It's a great meal prep idea so lunches are quick and healthy! Allow chicken to thaw at room temperature and then stir fry it to reheat.

Can I make Chicken Carnitas in a Slow Cooker?: Yes! Instead of an Instant Pot, brown the chicken in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the browned chicken pieces to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Finish the recipe in the oven as directed in this recipe.

Nutrition