Oh, the joy of discovering a dish that effortlessly combines crispy textures with bold flavors! This Easy Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe is like a culinary love letter to those lazy Sundays when you crave something both comforting and exciting.
Imagine this: tender chicken, cooked to golden perfection, mingling with spices that dance on your palate like a lively fiesta.
I stumbled upon this gem while trying to recreate a taste from a food truck I visited last summer—what a delightful accident that turned out to be. Each bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who typically burns toast, this recipe is forgiving, and oh-so-rewarding. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Place the chicken, beer (or chicken stock), onion, garlic, chipotle, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and salt into a slow cooker. Gently mix everything together.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Preheat the broiler to high and spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Shred the cooked chicken and use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the baking sheet, leaving the juices in the slow cooker.
- Spread the chicken evenly on the baking sheet and broil for 5-6 minutes until the edges start to brown and get crispy.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle about 1/2 cup of the reserved juices over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly, then broil for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process by adding another 1/2 cup of juices, broiling for a final 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, add lime juice to taste, and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, salads, or any dish you prefer. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle of beer (or substitute with chicken stock)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder (or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2–4 fresh limes
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe without using alcohol?
- Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the beer with chicken stock. You might also consider adding an extra squeeze of fresh orange juice for added flavor.
- What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
- The recipe suggests using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you can also use other cuts such as thighs. Just ensure they are skinless and boneless to avoid extra preparation steps.
- How long can I store the leftovers?
- The cooked chicken carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Alternatively, they can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- What are some serving suggestions for chicken carnitas?
- Chicken carnitas can be served in a variety of ways, including in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, or soups. Feel free to get creative with how you incorporate them into your meals.
- How can I achieve extra crispy carnitas?
- After cooking the chicken in the slow cooker, broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes to brown and crisp the edges. Toss the chicken in some of the leftover juices and repeat the broiling process a few times for extra crispiness. Finish with a drizzle of fresh lime juice for added flavor.
Tips
- Consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. They are naturally more flavorful and juicy, making them a great alternative in this recipe.
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the beer with chicken stock and add an extra squeeze of fresh orange juice to maintain the depth of flavor.
- To achieve the best crispy texture, broil the chicken in stages. After the first broil, drizzle with the reserved juices and toss to ensure even coating before returning to the broiler.
- Enhance the flavor by being generous with fresh lime juice when serving. The citrusy tang complements the savory carnitas beautifully.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for simmering the chicken for hours.
- Large Baking Sheet – Needed for broiling the chicken to get it crispy.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for transferring chicken from the slow cooker to the baking sheet while leaving the juices behind.
- Pair of Tongs – Helpful for tossing the chicken during the broiling process to ensure even crispiness.
