Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: Irresistibly Tender & Flavorful

Catch a whiff of succulent, crispy slow cooker carnitas that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine tender, juicy meat infused with a symphony of spices, then crispy-edged and ready to be devoured in a taco or on its own. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Let me take you back to my first encounter with carnitas. It was at a food truck festival, where I stood in line longer than I’d care to admit. The tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble louder than the music. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve mastered the art of making crispy slow cooker carnitas right in my own kitchen. And trust me—it’s worth every minute spent waiting for that savory goodness to cook!

Ingredients for Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for carnitas due to their rich flavor and moisture retention during cooking.
• Fresh Garlic: Use about four cloves; they add depth and aromatic warmth to your dish.
• Onion: A large onion, diced, will provide sweetness and flavor as it caramelizes during cooking.
• Cumin: This spice delivers that signature earthy flavor essential for any carnitas recipe.
• Chili Powder: Add heat and complexity with about two tablespoons; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the chicken.
• Orange Juice: This adds a lovely sweetness and tang that complements the savory elements beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep control over the saltiness while adding moisture during cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic cloves—this will help them release their flavors more effectively as they cook.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the boneless chicken thighs until they are well-coated.

Step 3: Place Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker. Add diced onions and minced garlic on top. Pour in lime juice and orange juice along with enough chicken broth to cover half of the chicken.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for about six hours (or high for three hours if you’re short on time). The goal here is tender meat that shreds easily.

Step 5: Crisp It Up

Once cooked, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer shredded chicken onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for about five minutes until crispy edges form—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve your crispy slow cooker carnitas in warm tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or whatever toppings tickle your fancy!

Now go ahead—gather around the table with friends or family because these crispy slow cooker carnitas are bound to become everyone’s new favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those delicious juices, then toss in your veggies while preparing the sauce. Once everything is sizzling, let it slow-cook to perfection in the slow cooker, creating a meal that practically cooks itself.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or beef depending on your preference. Experiment with different spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for an added kick. You can even throw in some diced pineapples for a sweet twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through.

Sometimes I look back at the first time I tried this recipe—it was a chaotic kitchen with friends laughing and taste-testing, and their delight made me realize I had found a winning dish!

FAQs:

What are Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas?

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are a delicious, tender meat dish typically made with chicken or beef, slow-cooked until juicy and flavorful. The cooking process allows the meat to absorb various spices and seasonings, resulting in a rich taste. After slow cooking, the meat is shredded and can be crisped up in an oven or skillet, creating a delightful texture. These carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice.

How do I make my Carnitas crispy?

To achieve crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas, first, ensure you use the right cooking method. After shredding the cooked meat, spread it on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes. This step will create that sought-after crispy exterior. You can also pan-fry the shredded meat briefly in a hot skillet with a little oil to enhance crispiness before serving.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional carnitas often use pork, you can easily substitute it with chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. Each type of meat offers unique flavors and textures. For instance, chicken provides a lighter option while beef gives a richer taste. Adjust cooking times slightly based on your chosen meat to ensure it remains tender and flavorful throughout the process.

What toppings pair well with Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas?

Top your Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas with fresh ingredients to enhance their flavor. Chopped cilantro, diced onions, and fresh lime juice are classic choices. Additionally, avocado slices or guacamole add creaminess to balance the dish’s richness. Consider adding pickled jalapeños for heat or shredded lettuce for crunch to elevate your meal further.

Conclusion for Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas:

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas offer a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without using traditional pork products. By substituting chicken or beef and following easy preparation steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that shines in flavor and texture. Remember to crisp the meat after slow cooking for that perfect bite! Enjoy these carnitas in tacos or burritos for a satisfying experience that everyone will love.

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Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the mouthwatering delight of Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas! This tantalizing dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a blend of aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection and then broiled for crispy edges. Perfect for tacos or burritos, these carnitas are sure to impress at family gatherings or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. In a bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken thighs.
3. Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Top with diced onion and minced garlic. Pour lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth over the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the meat is tender.
5. Preheat the oven broiler. Shred cooked chicken and spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for about 5 minutes until crispy.
6. Serve warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg