Crispy Chicken Carnitas
A flavorful and easy recipe for tender, shredded chicken that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated with the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. For the Slow Cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking is done, use two forks to shred the chicken until it’s bite-sized and fluffy.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If you want that crispy texture, spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy chicken carnitas in warm tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken for longer. Adjust chili powder for spice preference.