INGREDIENTS
- 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (can sub chicken breasts)
FOR THE CARNITAS SAUCE:
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp oregano (fresh or dried)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
FOR SERVING:
- romaine lettuce (or sub tortillas or other sturdy lettuce)
- chopped cilantro
- sliced avocado
- sliced jalapenos
- lime wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
1Prep garlic as noted. Combine orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and chipotle powder in a bowl or jar and mix well.
2Prepare any optional toppings/serving items to have them ready for when the chicken is finished cooking.
FOR THE INSTANT POT:
1Place chicken in the Instant Pot and add in the garlic. Pour the carnitas sauce all over the chicken and toss to coat.
2Secure the lid on the instant pot and close the pressure valve. Press the “manual” button (or “pressure cook” button) and set the time to cook for 25 minutes at high pressure. Once the time is up, carefully quick release the pressure manually.
FOR THE SLOW COOKER:
1Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the carnitas sauce all over the chicken.
2Place lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
3When the chicken has finished cooking in either the Instant pot or slow cooker, remove the lid and shred the chicken with two forks.
4Serve chicken carnitas in bowls, lettuce wedges or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
OPTIONAL STEP FOR CRISPY CHICKEN CARNITAS:
1Set your oven to broil.
2After shredding the chicken, use a spoon to remove the chicken from the instant pot or slow cooker and place on a large sheet pan. Pour or spoon the juices from the instant pot or slow cooker over the chicken in the sheet pan.
3Place in the oven to broil for 7-10 minutes, until the chicken begins to develop some brown and crispy edges. Remove the chicken halfway through and mix it up with a spoon or tongs to help coat all of the chicken with the juices.
4Watch the chicken carefully under the broiler and cook to your preference.
