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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas

A recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it, then enjoy delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chicken carnitas ready to serve in no time.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 25 min
Cook Time 4 hr 15 min
Total Time 4 hr 40 min
Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/22

Why This Dish Is Worth Trying

Perfect for busy days because it requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. The slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy, while the spices give it a delicious, authentic taste. It’s a great way to enjoy Mexican-inspired food without much prep.

Cooking Hints

- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the taste.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding to keep it moist.

Step 1

Dissolv the chicken bouillon in some boiling water and set it aside. In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the oil and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then toss in the jalapeños and let them cook down for another 5 minutes until they’re tender. Stir in the green chiles and cook everything together for a few more minutes.

Step 2

While that’s cooking, mix all the spices—salt, cilantro, Mexican seasoning, cumin, basil, oregano, garlic powder, your seasoning blend, chile powder, paprika, mustard powder, and black pepper—in a bowl. Trim any excess from the chicken pieces and rub the spice mix all over them, making sure every bit is coated.

Step 3

Add the cooked onion mixture to your slow cooker, then pour in the chicken broth you made, along with the juice and zest from the limes and orange, plus the garlic cloves. Place the seasoned chicken on top, cover, and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Serving Guide

Serve the meat in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. It also works well over rice, in salads, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. Add your favorite hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.

How To Store This Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked meat for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
394
people cooked this recipe
AP
By Arjun Patel
Recipe Contributor
Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

250 Calories
Fat
7 g
Carbs
8 g
Protein
35 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
600 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (1)

5 out of 5
★★★★★
1 Ratings
5 star
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4 star
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3 star
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2 star
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User Reviews

Sofia R.
★★★★★
Feb 09, 2026
Love how easy this is! Went straight into the slow cooker in the morning and dinner was ready when I got home.
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