Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas Recipe
Copycat Chipotle Pork Carnitas Recipe: This is a wonderful way to create a flavorful, tender shredded pork that's perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. One of those easy meals everyone loves! P.S it tastes even better than the restaurant!
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3 ½-4 pound pork butt roast fat cap trimmed leaving some on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons whole juniper berries
Instructions
- Prep and Sear the Pork: Season the pork generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the pork in the pot and cook on both sides for 4-5 minutes each or until golden brown.
- Place pork in the Slow Cooker (crock pot or instant pot): Move the seared pork to the slow cooker. Add the water, bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries. The water helps create steam and keeps the pork moist as it cooks.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp It Up (Optional): For a crispy texture, transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas, rice, salsa, or any of your favorite toppings. A squeeze of lime, fresh jalapeno slices, and some fresh cilantro can really elevate the flavor.
Notes
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the boneless pork in olive oil before slow cooking adds a deep caramelized flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Fresh herbs, bay leaves, and other aromatics bring layers of flavor that elevate the dish.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8-10 hours ensures the pork becomes tender and flavorful.
- Crisp it Up: Broil the shredded pork briefly for those signature crispy edges that make carnitas so irresistible.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 771mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 3mg
