Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Carnitas: The Ultimate Recipe for Busy Nights

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4-5 pounds) – Thighs are perfect for slow cooking because they stay juicy and tender.
Onion – A bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic – Adds depth and that irresistible flavor we all love.
Orange juice – For a fresh citrusy twist that brightens up the dish.
Lime juice – A little tang to complement the sweetness of the orange.
Spices – Cumin oregano, chili powder, and a pinch of cinnamon. These bring so much flavor to the dish!
Chicken broth – Keeps the chicken moist while it cooks.
Bay leaves – A small but essential addition for extra flavor.

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs. I love using thighs because they hold up so well in the slow cooker and stay juicy. Rub the cumin, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper all over the chicken. You want every inch of the meat covered in these spices. Trust me, this step is where the flavor really starts to come together.

While you can skip this step, I find that sautéing the onion and garlic in a little oil adds an extra layer of flavor. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. It only takes a few minutes, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Once done, transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the chicken.

Now it’s time to let the slow cooker do its thing! Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, along with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, and drop in the bay leaves. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 7-8 hours. By the time it's done, the chicken should be super tender and easy to shred.

Once the chicken is cooked and tender, take it out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should practically fall apart on its own!
Don’t forget to save some of that delicious cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Drizzle it over the shredded chicken to keep it juicy and full of flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning if you feel like it needs a little more kick.

If you like your chicken carnitas with crispy edges (and who doesn’t?), this step is a must! Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shredded chicken in a single layer. Let it cook for a few minutes without stirring, so it gets crispy. Flip it over and let the other side get crispy too. This step adds a great texture and flavor to the dish!

Now that your chicken carnitas are ready, it’s time to dig in! You can use them in tacos, burritos, or even serve them over a bed of rice or in a salad. Top with your favorite taco fixings like salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. You really can’t go wrong.