Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder
- 1 Tbs chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 Tbs salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
minced
- 1 large onion
quartered
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Directions
- 1
In a bowl whisk together your chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt pepper and cinnamon and then rub on all sides of your pork shoulder.
- 2
Place pork in a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- 3
Add in your bay leaves, garlic cloves and onions.
- 4
Pour in your orange juice, lime juice and chicken broth.
- 5
Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours.
- 6
Once cooked, shred your pork in crockpot and cover again and let cook for about 30 minutes longer to soak up juices.
- 7
Remove shredded pork and place on baking sheet and broil in oven for about 5 minutes until edges get crispy.
- 8
Serve in your favorite dish.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
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About this Recipe
Craving the deeply flavorful, tender pork of authentic carnitas without hours of active cooking? This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas recipe delivers fall-apart perfection with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
This recipe leverages the magic of the slow cooker to transform a humble pork shoulder into incredibly tender, succulent carnitas. The long, gentle cook time allows the pork to slowly braise in a rich blend of aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano, alongside the bright, tangy notes of orange and lime juice and savory chicken broth, resulting in meat that practically melts in your mouth.
Expect a savory, juicy pork that's infused with a complex, balanced flavor profile—earthy from the cumin, a touch of warmth from the cinnamon, and a delightful brightness from the citrus. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring the pork is moist and shreddable without needing constant attention. This hands-off approach makes it surprisingly simple to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Customization & Serving Ideas
Serve these tender carnitas in warm tortillas for classic tacos, layered into burritos, or as the star of a hearty rice bowl. For a lighter meal, pile them over a fresh salad. You can easily adjust the spice profile by tweaking the amount of chili powder, cumin, or cinnamon to suit your preference.
This versatile dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping throughout the week. Pair it with your favorite salsa, pickled onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a truly satisfying experience.