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Chicken Carnitas

Chicken Carnitas


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  • Author: Megan Foster
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A lighter version of carnitas using chicken cooked in the slow cooker with citrus and spices then broiled for crispy edges and juicy shredded meat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro torn
  • Salsa to taste
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
  2. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken becomes tender.
  3. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
  4. Mix 1/4 cup of the cooking juices with the shredded chicken.
  5. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until crispy.
  6. Mix in another 1/4 cup juices and broil another 5 minutes.
  7. Add the remaining juices and mix before serving.
  8. Assemble tacos with tortillas, chicken, diced onion, cilantro, salsa and lime wedges.

Notes

  1. Use fresh orange and lime juice for brighter flavor.
  2. Chicken thighs produce juicier shredded meat than breasts.
  3. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet while broiling.
  4. Warm tortillas before serving for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 474
  • Sugar: 5.4g
  • Sodium: 467mg
  • Fat: 4.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 53g
  • Cholesterol: 108mg