Copycat recipe for Chipotle Citrus pork carnitas, aka Mexican pulled pork, made in the slow cooker, shredded, then crisped on the stovetop. I have always been a Chipotle fan. Chipotle chicken is amazing, one of my favorites. But have you tried the carnitas? Their carnitas made me fall in love with pulled/shredded pork and I haven't gone back!
I made my own version, which is healthier, cheaper and more delicious than the real deal. They are so easy to make in the slow cooker, then you can crisp them up on the stove. Dump and go recipes are the best because they are so easy!
This recipe for chipotle carnitas is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep or if you are hosting a gathering. You can make bowls, tacos, burritos, salads, just about anything with these carnitas.
Quick Tips from Allie Carte
A couple quick tips before we get into everything, but I will thoroughly explain this all in the post that follows.
- Make these pork carnitas in the instant pot instead
- Substitute chicken for the pork
- Add any of your favorite toppings
- Use this pork for dinner, meal prep or gatherings
Let's get into more of the juicy details. Get it, juicy details, because this pork is so juicy and tender.
What Do You Need To Make Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork
First things first for this Chipotle carnitas recipe is a crock pot or slow cooker of course. I use the original crock pot brand and I love using the liners for easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Make sure you grab a meat thermometer too, that can stay in a closed crock. I think food like ribs, and many types of pork, are perfect in the crock pot but that is up to you!
We are also going to crisp up these pork carnitas on the stovetop; however, you can also do this in the oven.
To make this recipe for chipotle carnitas, just grab a couple ingredients and press go.
- Pork butt
- Olive oil
- Seasonings
- Garlic
- Red onion
- Lime juice
The meat I chose for this was pork butt, it is boneless. However, different types of pork work great too, pork shoulder is another great option. Don't forget, you can also use chicken to keep this a lower fat or calorie recipe.
What I love about making my own recipe for Chipotle carnitas is that I can make it exactly how I want, and you can too. If you do not like onion, don't add them. Are you a huge garlic fanatic? Add some more garlic! Adjust this recipe, easily, to your liking.
Taco Seasonings
I always have my homemade taco seasonings on hand, I make them exactly how I like them and I think they are better than anything you can buy. Plus, when you buy a seasonings mix, you never really know what is in it.
This is the taco seasonings recipe that I live and breathe for, hey, I love tacos, and is perfect to season the pork for this recipe. However, you can also buy a packet, just use 2/2.5 tablespoons of it!
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Adjust any of these seasonings to your liking. This mix is not spicy; however, you can make it spicier with the addition of ground red pepper. If you are watching your salt, you can reduce that as well; but I do not think there is too much salt in this.
How to Make this Recipe for Chipotle Pork Carnitas
Slow cooked carnitas is quite easy to make. The hardest part is trying not to devour the pork as the amazing smell fills your home all day long but that's another story.
I suggest using one of these crock pot liners for easy clean up, situate that on the crock pot first.
Prepping
In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings. Pat dry the pork butt, if there is any excess liquid. Drizzle with half the oil, then, press the seasonings into all sides of the pork. Add the pork to the bottom of slow cooker. If there is a fat cap, put the fat cap placing up.
Slice the onion into big chunks. You can slice the onion as big or small as you want. I typically leave it as big chunks and remove them when the pork is ready. You can dice the onion and keep it in with the shredded pork. It really does not matter. Add the lime juice, garlic and onion on top of the pork butt.
Cooking
I use a meat thermometer to know exactly when the pork is ready. At this point, place your probe into the pork. Then, cover the slow cooker pot and cook on low for four hours, or until the pork reaches 205 degrees. At 205 degrees, the pork becomes very tender and it is easy to cook because the collagen has broken down. When it becomes this tender, the carnitas are shredded very easily. Science stuff, we are not here for that.
Crisping the Pork Carnitas on the Stovetop
Let the pork cool for a couple minutes, so it is not too hot to the touch. As the pork is cooling, heat the remaining oil in a pan over medium high heat. I like to use a pot with tall sides as this can get messy.
Once the pork has slightly cooled, shred with a hand mixer or two forks. Add the shredded carnitas to the pan with the heated oil, cover, and let crisp for a couple minutes.
Once that side is crisped to your likeness, toss the pork and repeat this crisping process. Crisp the pork carnitas on the stovetop until it reaches your desired wellness. Remove from heat once ready.
If there are any liquids, add those back into the pork and mix to allow the pork to absorb any juice.
Making More Pork
This recipe for Chipotle carnitas calls for 1 pound of pork, which is not that much, it feeds about 4 people. To increase the amount of pork, it needs to be cooked a lot longer. I will chart some common poundage and their cook times, but again, a meat thermometer is your best friend. I pull it out when it hits 205 degrees.
- 1 pound of pork - 4 hours
- 2.5 pounds - 7 hours
- 4 pounds - 9 hours
- 5 pounds - 10 hours
Cooking times may vary depending on the shape and thickness of the pork butt, be sure to use a meat thermometer.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Mexican pulled pork in the slow cooker is amazing. There is nothing like pulled pork in the crock pot. However, this can also be made in the instant pot.
Instant Pot
Repeat the same recipe steps for the chipotle carnitas, except place the pork in the instant pot. You will need to grease the bottom of the instant pot and/or use a non-stick bowl insert.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 15 minutes and start it. (It will take about 15 minutes per pound to cook).
Once completely cooked, let it set for 5-7 minutes. Then, vent and de-pressurize the instapot then open the lid.
Repeat the same steps for the crisping parts. Crisp the pork carnitas on the stovetop until your desired wellness.
Oven
Instead of crisping the pork carnitas on the stovetop, do it in the oven. Add the shredded carnitas to a baking tray. Drizzle with the oil then, toss to coat. Place under the broiler and broil for 5 minutes, or until desired crispness.
Using Chicken Instead
Mexican pulled pork in the slow cooker is the best. But I get it, not everyone loves chicken. If you prefer to use chicken, that is great! You can still make my recipe; however, just modify it a little. I use two chicken breasts, that equal one pound total.
Crock Pot
Follow the majority of the recipe steps for the chipotle carnitas; however, the chicken will only need to cook for about 1.5-2 hours. Make sure to also use a meat thermometer. Chicken cooks to 165 degrees.
Follow the same steps to crisp the carnitas; however, be careful not to dry out the chicken. Add a bit of chicken broth if it starts to dry out.
Instant Pot
Again, follow the majority of the same steps. But, put the chicken in the instant pot. You will need to grease the bottom of the instant pot and/or use a non-stick bowl insert.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 15 minutes and start it. (It will take about 15 minutes per pound to cook).
Once completely cooked, let it set for 5-7 minutes. Then, vent and de-pressurize the instapot then open the lid.
Follow the same steps to crisp the carnitas; however, be careful not to dry out the chicken. Add a bit of chicken broth if it starts to dry out.
Toppings
Just like chipotle, add some toppings! I am very basic when it comes to my bowls, I like corn, rice and salsa. You can add shredded lettuce, fajita veggies, cheese, jalapeños, the list goes on and on!
Video Tutorial
If you are more of a visual learner, watch me make this recipe for shredded Chipotle carnitas. Then, come back here for more detailed instruction.
Recipe for Chipotle Carnitas
I have always been a Chipotle fan. Have you tried the carnitas? Their carnitas made me fall in love with shredded pork and I haven't gone back! I made my own version, which is healthier, cheaper and more delicious than the real deal. They are so easy to make in the slow cooker, then you can crisp them up on the stove. Dump and go recipes are the best because they are so easy!
Recipe for Chipotle Carnitas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork butt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ red onion chopped
- ⅛ cup lime juice
Taco Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings. Pat dry the pork butt, if there is any excess liquid. Drizzle with half the oil, then, press the seasonings into all sides of the pork.
- Add the pork to the bottom of slow cooker. If there is a fat cap, put the fat cap placing up.
- Slice the onion into big chunks. Add the lime juice, garlic and onion on top of the pork.
- Cover the slow cooker pot and cook on low for four hours, or until the pork reaches 205 degrees.
- Let the pork cool for a couple minutes, so it is not too hot to the touch. As the pork is cooling, heat the remaining oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Once the pork has slightly cooled, shred with a hand mixer or two forks. Add to the pan with the heated oil, cover, and let crisp for a couple minutes.
- Once that side is crisped to your likeness, toss the pork and repeat this crisping process. Remove from heat once ready.
- If there are any liquids still in the slow cooker, add those back into the pork and mix to allow the pork to absorb any juice.
Nutrition
Are you on WW and looking for a points value? Click this link and your points will automatically calculate for you. Plus, you can easily sub out the pork for chicken! The pork is 4 points a serving, for me, plus 1 for the oil. Chicken is 0 for me, so this recipe with chicken is 1 point for me.
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