You’re going to love how easy and flavorful this Slow Cooker Carnitas Chicken is! It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal that makes your house smell amazing all day. Juicy, tender shredded chicken with zesty citrus and Mexican spices – it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Serve it in tacos, burrito bowls, or even over a salad for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will devour. Bonus? It’s super simple, and the slow cooker does all the work for you!
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 orange, juiced (about 1/3 cup juice)
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tbsp juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Warm tortillas
Tools You’ll Need:
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Forks for shredding
Pro Tips
- Go Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and forgiving if cooked a little longer. Perfect for beginners!
- Don’t Skip the Citrus: The fresh orange and lime juice make this dish pop with flavor.
- Double It for Leftovers: This recipe is amazing for meal prep. Freeze extra portions for easy weeknight dinners.
- Crisp It Up: Want crispy edges? Toss the shredded chicken on a baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give it a quick taste and add a bit more salt or lime juice if needed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Swap: Use pork shoulder or beef chuck for a fun variation.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
- Low-Carb: Skip the tortillas and serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- No Broth? Sub water or even a splash of orange juice.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep everything the night before: juice the citrus, measure the spices, and keep it all in the fridge. In the morning, just toss it into the slow cooker.
- Leftover chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Liquids and Spices
Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the juices and stir to coat.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the chicken into warm tortillas, garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and any toppings you love.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it – an easy, flavorful Slow Cooker Carnitas Chicken that’s perfect for tacos, meal prep, or even a family taco night. It’s so simple, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments! I’d love to hear your tips, questions, or even your favorite way to serve it. 😊
