Description
This crispy chicken carnitas recipe delivers tender, juicy shredded chicken with perfectly crispy edges. Packed with bold spices and citrus flavor, it’s a quick and versatile dish perfect for tacos, bowls, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Orange juice
- Lime juice
- Chicken broth
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder.
- Add chicken to the pan and sear lightly on both sides.
- Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 25–35 minutes until tender.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pan and cook uncovered until liquid reduces.
- For crispy edges, broil on a baking sheet for 3–5 minutes or crisp in a hot skillet.
- Serve warm in tacos, bowls, or wraps
Notes
Chicken thighs provide the juiciest results.Broiling or pan-crisping is key for authentic texture.Add jalapeños or chipotle for extra heat.Great for meal prep and freezes well.Use slow cooker for hands-off cooking (4–6 hours on low).
