Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas

Savor the Crispy Delights of Long John Silver’s Style Fish Fillets

Embark on a flavor voyage with this Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe, merging the tender juiciness of slow-simmered chicken with the irresistible crispiness you love in carnitas. Hours of gentle cooking develop deep flavors, and the final broiler step transforms the chicken into golden, crispy perfection.

Whether it’s a laid-back taco night or a lively weekend feast, this dish brings restaurant-style authenticity to your kitchen with ease.

Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous gathering, this recipe encapsulates the essence of comfort food with a festive flair. Ready to elevate your mealtime with rich spices, zesty lime, and mouthwatering textures? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.

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Flavorful and Crispy: Your New Go-To Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas

This Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe not only delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness but also balances smoky spices with citrus brightness. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs all the rich flavors from garlic, chipotle, and cumin, while the broiler gives every bite a satisfying crunch.

Not just a meal, this is a foray into the art of slow cooking, where patience is rewarded with unmatched taste. Simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, these carnitas will quickly become your go-to option for tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls.

Here’s how you can achieve juicy chicken with crispy edges and bold flavor, complete with professional tips to ensure every bite is spectacular.

Serving Suggestions: Fill warm tortillas, layer into burrito bowls, top nachos, or scatter over salads for endless meal ideas.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas

1. Choose the Right Liquid: Beer adds depth, but chicken stock keeps it family-friendly without losing richness.
2. Shred Gently: Use forks to pull the chicken apart without mashing the fibers, preserving texture.
3. Broil in Layers: Broil, add juices, then repeat for maximum crispiness and moisture balance.
4. Don’t Skip the Lime: A generous squeeze of lime at the end brightens all the smoky flavors.
5. Batch Cooking Tip: Freeze half for future meals—you’ll thank yourself on busy nights.

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Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas Recipe

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
• Extra broil time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Equipment: Large slow cooker, baking sheet, forks, broiler

With these Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas, your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of spices simmering, leading to a dish that is both rustic and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients

• 4–5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bottle beer (or chicken stock, if preferred)
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chipotle powder (or 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2–4 fresh limes

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Directions

1. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Add chicken, beer (or stock), onion, garlic, chipotle, cumin, pepper, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
3. Preheat the Broiler: Prepare a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Preheat broiler to high.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken and shred with forks into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to the baking sheet in an even layer, leaving juices behind.
5. First Broil: Place under broiler, about two racks down, for 5–6 minutes until edges start to crisp.
6. Moisten and Crisp Again: Pour ½ cup cooking liquid over chicken, toss, and broil another 5 minutes. Repeat once more with another ½ cup of broth.
7. Final Touch: Drizzle with fresh lime juice, toss again, and serve immediately.

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Ready to Relish!

This Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe offers the best of both worlds—tender meat and crispy edges. The spices infuse each piece with bold, smoky heat, while the lime cuts through with refreshing brightness.

It’s perfect for taco nights, burrito bars, or meal prepping versatile protein that can adapt to countless dishes.

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Storage Solutions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze shredded carnitas in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm under the broiler with a splash of reserved liquid to restore crispness.

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