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Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas are a tender, juicy, flavor-packed twist on classic carnitas made with chicken instead of pork. Slowly cooked with citrus, garlic, onions, and warm Mexican-inspired spices, this shredded chicken is incredibly versatile and perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and easy weeknight dinners. It's one of the simplest and most delicious crock pot chicken breast recipes—healthy, effortless, and great for meal prep. Finish it under the broiler for crispy, caramelized edges that make every bite irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Carnitas
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ⅓ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño sliced
  • For Crisping Optional but Recommended
  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
  • Extra lime juice

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Add spices & aromatics: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Add the minced garlic and diced onion.
  3. Add liquids: Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Add jalapeño if using.
  4. Slow cook: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreddable.
  5. Shred: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Let it sit in the juices for 10 minutes.
  6. Crisp (optional): Spread shredded chicken on a sheet pan, drizzle lightly with oil, and broil for 5–7 minutes until crispy and browned. Spoon extra cooking liquid over the top before serving.

Notes

For richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Don’t skip soaking the shredded chicken back in the juices—it boosts flavor and keeps it moist.
Broiling the shredded chicken adds the classic carnitas-style crispy edges.
Add chipotle peppers or extra jalapeño for spice.
Leftovers freeze very well for up to 3 months.
Keep stored chicken juicy by storing it with some of the cooking broth.