Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas are well worth the wait. This recipe is super easy to assemble and includes a combination of citrus-garlic flavors – probably things you already have in your kitchen! Add everything to the slow cooker, sit back, and let it cook until you get irresistible, fall-apart-tender shredded meat.

What are carnitas? 

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican pork dish whose name actually means “little meats.” The pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection with citrusy flavors, then shredded to serve with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, and more!

Carnitas includes a rich blend of flavors that are common in Mexican dishes, such as oregano, lime juice, and jalapeño peppers. They are usually toasted or broiled before serving to add a little crispiness and amazing texture.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

• Carnitas are so easy to make in the slow cooker. In fact, I think it’s the best way! It takes minimal hands-on prep, and the slow cooker takes care of getting the texture just right.
• This recipe is packed with flavor – it has garlic, citrus, spices, tomato paste, and a hint of sweetness too.
• If you need a versatile main meal, this is it! Add the shredded pork to tacos, burritos, rice bowls, nachos, and more.
• The slow cooker cooks the meat until it’s easy to shred, and then the crispy texture can be achieved with a simple broiling step.
• Add this to your “meal prep friendly” list! It freezes and reheats well, and you can enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal whenever you like.

Ingredients Needed  

• Pork shoulder – Pork shoulder has a good amount of marbling, which provides flavor and helps create tender meat. It needs to cook low and slow, and the extended time in the slow cooker helps it become saturated in the juices and seasonings. 
• Jalapeño peppers – Remove the ribs and seeds, then finely dice the peppers for mild heat. 
• Sweet onion – Add some more texture and flavor with a diced sweet onion.
• Jarred minced garlic – Minced garlic adds depth, and minced garlic makes it easy to add to the slow cooker. 
• Oregano – Oregano is a staple in many earthy and rich Mexican dishes. It also pairs well with the citrusy elements.
• Chili powder – Add a little smoky spice with chili powder.
• Salt and pepper – Round out the seasoning with these!
• Chicken broth – You need added liquid to keep the pork juicy and tender, and chicken broth does just that, plus an extra savory component that saturates the meat.
• Orange juice – Orange juice adds some acidity and a bit of sweetness. 
• Lime juice – Lime juice brings a tanginess that is so delicious with smoky spices. This also balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
• Tomato paste – Tomato sauce deepens the overall taste and creates a glaze-like liquid in the slow cooker.
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar helps bring everything together with a little caramelized sweetness.

How To Make Carnitas In The Slow Cooker

1. Place roast, diced jalapeño, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle seasonings over the roast.

3. Stir together broth, orange juice, lime juice, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
4. Pour the mixture over the roast.

5. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 201 degrees ℉.
6. Remove roast from the slow cooker and shred with forks, then return to the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.

7. Place shredded pork on a foil-lined cookie sheet under the broiler until the tips get crispy (about 5-10 minutes), or serve as is.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pork shoulder will be the best choice for carnitas due to the marbling and texture, but pork butt or country-style ribs will also work. (I prefer using a boneless choice if I use ribs.)
• Chicken thighs can work with these ingredients, but they won’t be as rich in flavor.
• Beef chuck roast is an option for shredded beef for Mexican dishes – a different twist on carnitas!

Instant Pot Alternative

Try out carnitas in the Instant Pot! 

• Add citrus juice and seasonings, then seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
• Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then a quick release.
• Shred the pork with forks, then broil on a baking sheet for a few minutes for a crispy texture.

How To Serve Carnitas 

You might just want to save these ideas as your weekly meal plan each time you make slow cooker carnitas! The meat is so tasty that it’s easy to find a way to serve it that everyone will love.

• Tacos: Add some shredded pork to warm corn tortillas, then top with diced onions or pico de gallo, cilantro, and lime. 
• Burritos: Wrap a flour tortilla with rice, Black Beans, cheese, salsa, and a scoop of carnitas. 
• Nachos: Layer carnitas over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole. Serve sour cream and salsa, and add a cup of Summer Fresh Grilled Corn Salad on the side.
• Rice Bowls: Serve a scoop of pork and juices from the pot over cilantro-lime rice with veggies. Add a scoop of Black Bean and Corn Salsa for a fresh element!
• Quesadillas: Add cheese and pork to corn or flour tortillas and crisp them up in a skillet. Dip in sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The meat also freezes well and makes a great ready-made meal option to defrost later. Portion into freezer-safe baggies or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to reheat, use a skillet and add a little broth or reserved juices. Or, add the carnitas back to the oven by arranging the meat on a baking sheet and warming it at 375℉ for 10 minutes.

Slow Cooker Carnitas FAQs 

• Can you overcook carnitas in a slow cooker? It is unlikely that the carnitas will overcook since pork gets more tender over time. However, the pork should be shredded at the right temperature – otherwise, it will have a tougher texture.
• What’s the difference between pulled pork and carnitas? Carnitas are slightly crispy and usually have a little spice or citrusy elements, while pulled pork is softer and incorporates BBQ sauces.
• Why add orange juice to carnitas? The acidity of the orange juice tenderizes the pork while also adding depth of flavor. 

More Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili
• Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Soup
• Slow Cooker Birria Tacos