Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

If you’re craving tender, flavorful pork that melts in your mouth, you absolutely must try this Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe. It’s hands-off, packed with zest, and the perfect dish to satisfy taco nights, burrito bowls, or just a hungry crowd eager for bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal after work or school.
Rich, Layered Flavors: This recipe balances citrus, herbs, and spices perfectly—every bite bursts with zest and warmth.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for tacos, salads, or nachos, it’s a recipe that adjusts effortlessly to your mealtime needs.
Affordable & Accessible Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—just pantry staples and a pork shoulder you’ll love working with.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe lies in its accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting that rich, tender, and mouthwatering pork. From the bright citrus notes to the earthy spices and savory broth, every element adds a layer to the perfect carnitas experience.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter taste.
• Orange Juice: Brings sweetness and acidity that tenderize the pork beautifully.
• Lime Juice: Injects fresh tartness that balances rich flavors.
• Cumin & Chili Powder: Ground spices that provide warm, smoky undertones essential for authentic carnitas.
• Dried Oregano: Adds herbal notes to complement the citrus and meat.
• Pork Shoulder: The star of the show! Its marbled fat keeps the meat juicy during the slow cooking.
• Onions & Garlic: Foundational aromatics that infuse the meat with savory goodness.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle earthy fragrance that enhances the overall profile without overpowering.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Broth and Spices

Start by combining the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large measuring cup or bowl. Give this mixture a good stir to blend all those fragrant spices and citrus together perfectly. This flavorful liquid will infuse the pork with so much deliciousness as it slow-cooks to tender perfection.

Step 2: Layer Your Slow Cooker

Place the chunks of pork shoulder into the slow cooker along with the chopped white onion and minced garlic. These aromatics build a rich foundation and bring a nice sweetness and savoriness that’s key to a great carnitas experience.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasoning

Pour the broth and spice mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, then tuck in the bay leaves. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The long, slow cooking creates perfectly tender pork with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas

Once the cooking time is up, shred the meat right in the slow cooker using two forks. Then, transfer the pork to a foil-lined baking sheet, discard the bay leaves, and drizzle some of the cooking juices on top. Broil in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until edges turn crispy and golden—this step adds the iconic texture everyone loves about carnitas!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Garnishes

Top your carnitas with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced onions, slices of avocado or guacamole, and a squeeze of lime. These add brightness, creaminess, and that signature zing that turns simple carnitas into a fiesta in your mouth.

Side Dishes

The best companions to your easy slow cooker carnitas include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light cabbage slaw. These sides introduce a balance of textures and flavors while keeping the meal authentically satisfying and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your carnitas in warm corn tortillas for tacos, piled over nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños, stuffed into burrito bowls with fresh salsa, or even as protein-packed salad toppers. The tender, flavorful pork adapts to your creativity and makes every meal exciting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It keeps its juicy, delicious flavor and reheats wonderfully, making lunches or quick dinners a breeze.

Freezing

This Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe freezes beautifully—either before or after cooking. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to four months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, tasty meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your carnitas in the oven or microwave with a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist and tender. This ensures the pork stays juicy and flavorful, never drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes you’ll go back to again and again. The flavorful, tender pork combined with simple prep means you get maximum taste with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 115 reviews

• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

This easy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded pork made in the slow cooker with a blend of citrus juices and classic Mexican spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a delicious protein-packed meal, the carnitas are crisped up under the broiler for that perfect texture and taste.

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Ingredients

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Broth & Marinade

• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup orange juice
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

• 3.4 lb pork shoulder cut into 2″ chunks
• 2 cups white onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic clove, minced
• 2 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Set this mixture aside.
2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the chunks of pork shoulder, chopped onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared broth mixture over the pork and add the bay leaves.
3. Cook the Carnitas: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred the Meat: Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker. Set your oven to broil while shredding.
5. Broil the Meat: Transfer the shredded pork to a foil-lined baking sheet, discard the bay leaves, and ladle some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the meat. Broil in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through after 5 minutes, to crisp up the edges.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy carnitas warm on tortillas with accompaniments like guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges for a delicious meal.

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Notes

• You can crisp the shredded pork on the stovetop in a skillet instead of broiling if preferred.
• Using a slow cooker liner will help make cleanup easier.
• Avoid opening the slow cooker while cooking to prevent steam from escaping, which can affect cooking time and texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat carnitas in the oven or microwave, adding some liquid to keep the meat moist.
• This carnitas recipe can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 4 months; thaw fully before reheating or cooking if frozen raw.