Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Easy Crockpot Carnitas—the ultimate flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner that’s perfect for taco night, meal prepping, or even a hearty salad topping. Juicy pork shoulder slow-cooks in bright citrus juice and a bold homemade spice blend, delivering melt-in-your-mouth texture with irresistibly crispy edges. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on work, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal that’s sure to become a household staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Crockpot Carnitas lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each item plays a starring role in developing deep, crave-worthy flavor and the perfect tender texture. Here’s your carnitas building blocks, along with why they matter.
- Pork shoulder: This cut is perfectly marbled, breaking down into juicy, fall-apart-tender shreds after hours in the slow cooker.
- Olive oil: Gives the pork a beautiful golden crust when seared, locking in flavor for every bite.
- Chili powder: Kicks up a warm, earthy heat and eye-catching color in the rub.
- Cumin: Adds a cozy, smoky undertone that screams classic Mexican comfort.
- Oregano: Lends herbal brightness that balances out the richness of the pork.
- Garlic powder: Layers in robust, savory notes and plays well with the citrus.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the spice rub.
- Salt: Essential for bringing the flavors together and making the pork ultra-juicy.
- Black pepper: Provides a sharp, peppery finish that enhances every other spice.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness and gorgeous red color to your carnitas.
- Juice of 2 oranges: Infuses natural sweetness and acidity, tenderizing the pork while building bold flavor.
- Juice of 2 limes: Brings a zesty twang that wakes up the entire dish—don’t skip it!
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while adding another layer of savory richness.
- Small onion, quartered: Slow-cooks into the pork for sweetness and texture.
- Garlic cloves, smashed: Melds into the juices, making every shred of pork a garlicky dream.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Step 1: Mix and Rub the Spices
Start by combining all the dry spices in a small bowl: chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This homemade blend is the flavor core of your carnitas. Generously rub it all over the pork chunks to ensure every bite is seasoned—don’t be shy! Let the pork sit while you prep the next step for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear the pork on all sides until it’s deeply golden brown—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step isn’t just about color; it also locks in juices and adds layers of savory, caramelized flavor you’ll taste in every forkful.
Step 3: Arrange Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer your beautifully browned pork into the slow cooker. Pour over the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth, then scatter the quartered onion and smashed garlic around the pork. These liquids and aromatics will blend with the rendered pork juices, infusing your carnitas with irresistible zest and aroma as they cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Ultra-Tender
Cover and set your crockpot: low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, depending on your schedule. When the time’s up, the pork should shred effortlessly with two forks. That’s your sign it’s perfectly tender and ready for the finishing touch.
Step 5: Shred and (Optionally) Crisp
Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. For authentic restaurant-style carnitas with those crave-worthy crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil it for 4 to 5 minutes—watch closely! Return the crispy pork to the flavorful juices in the crockpot before serving, so every piece stays juicy and loaded with flavor.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Garnishes
The crowning glory of Easy Crockpot Carnitas is all in the toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and zippy lime wedges add a cool, vibrant counterpoint to the rich, savory pork. Sprinkle over some radishes for extra crunch or a dollop of creamy avocado or sour cream if you’re feeling decadent. Don’t forget a few fresh jalapeño slices if you’re ready for a little heat!
Side Dishes
Easy Crockpot Carnitas shine brilliantly beside warm tortillas for tacos, alongside fluffy Mexican rice, or atop a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter take. Refried beans or a big scoop of chunky guacamole round out the meal beautifully. For a fun twist, try pairing with tangy pickled red onions or a side of sweet roasted corn.
Creative Ways to Present
While carnitas tacos are a forever favorite, don’t stop there! Pile your Easy Crockpot Carnitas onto nachos, stuff them into burritos, build loaded rice bowls, or scatter over cheesy fries for a show-stopping appetizer. They also make an incredible protein boost for breakfast omelets or a fun topping for pizza night—seriously, your dinner options just multiplied.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carnitas are practically made for leftovers! Cool any extra pork, then transfer to an airtight container with a little of the juicy cooking liquid to keep everything moist. Stored this way, your carnitas will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and taste just as delicious reheated.
Freezing
Easy Crockpot Carnitas freeze beautifully, making busy-weeknight dinners a breeze. Simply portion cooled carnitas (again, with some juices for maximum flavor) into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible, label, and lay flat to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use them.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved juices or a little broth to keep them moist. For ultra-crispy edges, pop the pork under the broiler for a few minutes just before serving. The microwave works too for convenience, but stovetop or oven methods help revive that just-cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Crockpot Carnitas with a different cut of pork?
Pork shoulder is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, but pork butt (Boston butt) also works well. Leaner cuts like pork loin can be used in a pinch but may not yield the same juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results.
Do I have to sear the pork before slow cooking?
While you can skip this step to save time, searing develops deep, caramelized flavor and helps the spices form a delicious crust. It’s absolutely worth the extra few minutes if you want the most out of your Easy Crockpot Carnitas.
What’s the best way to crisp up carnitas?
After shredding, spread the pork on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 4 to 5 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. This creates those iconic crispy ends that set great carnitas apart. Toss the crisped pork back in the juices to keep them moist and flavorful.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just be sure not to overfill your crockpot—you want the pork in a single layer, if possible. You may need to add a bit more spice mixture and adjust the cooking time slightly if doubling.
Are Easy Crockpot Carnitas gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free accompaniments like corn tortillas or rice, and always double-check your broth and spices to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if serving someone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Easy Crockpot Carnitas to your kitchen—the effortless way to enjoy the vibrant, soulful flavors of Mexican cuisine Main Course. With its tender pork, zesty citrus, and bold spices, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Gather your favorite garnishes, invite some friends or family, and get ready for a totally memorable meal!
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Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender, flavorful, and easy to make, these Easy Crockpot Carnitas are a delicious Mexican dish perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 3–4 lb pork shoulder (boneless, cut into large chunks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- juice of 2 oranges
- juice of 2 limes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion (quartered)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub the spice mixture over the pork.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides.
- Slow Cook: Transfer pork to the crockpot. Add orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, onion, and garlic. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Shred the Pork: Remove pork from the crockpot, shred with forks, and broil for crispiness if desired. Return to juices before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas, rice bowls, or salads.
- Leftovers freeze well for future meals.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
