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Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

5 from 6 votes

Recipe by Danelle

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CRISPY SLOW COOKER CARNITAS — Savory slow cooked pulled pork is finished off under the broiler for a delicious, crispy texture. Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos and more!


Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

I’ve tried a lot of pork taco recipes. A lot. And these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are by far my favorite pork taco filling!

The flavors are fabulous, and I love the crispy edges on the pork.  I also love that this pork filling isn’t so soggy and wet that my tortillas turn to mush.

Iโ€™ve made this twice and itโ€™s been great both times! Broiling the meat is a such a good idea and the recipe directions are easy to follow. Two thumbs up! ~ Casy

Whatever you do, don’t skip the broiling step. It just wouldn’t be carnitas without all those delicious crunchy bits. And if you were wondering, carnitas means “little meats” in Spanish.
 
You can serve any of your favorite taco toppings with carnitas, but some fresh squeezed lime juice is definitely a must! And don’t limit  yourself to just tacos.
 
Carnitas are also great as a burrito filling–and a favorite with my teenage boys.
 
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
 
And here’s a handy tip: you can freeze your leftover chipotles in adobo.  I just put two or three (I can’t imagine ever using more than that in a single recipe) into small, zip-top bags and freeze them to use later.
 
I usually find chipotles in adobo in the Mexican food section of my grocery store, near the other canned chili peppers. They are pretty spicy, so if you’re concerned about that, start with less and add more to suit your tastes.

I made this for dinner tonight. I give it two thumbs up. Itโ€™s delicious! Iโ€™ll be making it often. ~ Vicki

My husband and kids also proclaimed these carnitas to be their favorite pork taco filling, and it’s safe to say this is a favorite family recipe.
 
It’s also great for entertaining.  I usually double the recipe when I serve this meal for company. Everyone loves dishing up dinner buffet style and choosing their favorite toppings. 
 
This recipe is a must try. You may never make another shredded pork recipe again!

Be sure to save this Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.


Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas


Here’s what you’ll need to make Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas


  • Canola oil
  • Pork tenderloin
  • Chicken broth
  • Produce: onion, garlic, limes
  • Canned chipotles in adobo
  • Spices: cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Savory slow cooked pulled pork is finished off under the broiler for a delicious, crispy texture. Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos and more!
5 from 6 votes
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 66kcal
Author: Danelle

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 2 lb. pork tenderloin
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add the pork and sear on each side until browned (about 2 minutes per side). Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, stir together chicken broth, onions, garlic, chipotle and spices. Pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • When the pork is cooked, preheat the broiler to high heat and cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Using a fork, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the baking sheet, spreading it evenly in a single layer. Do not discard the remaining broth from the slow cooker.
  • Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the edges of the pork begin crisping up. Gently toss the pork with tongs and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until pork reaches desired crispiness.
  • Place pork into a bowl or serving dish and toss with some of the remaining broth from the slow cooker.
  • Serve in tortillas with fresh lime wedges and your favorite toppings.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 692mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
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Homemade tortillas are the perfect accompaniment to these carnitas. Learn How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas here!

Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas

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Who Dished it Up First: Adapted from Gimme Some Oven.

6 comments

  • I’ve made this twice and it’s been great both times! Broiling the meat is a such a good idea and the recipe directions are easy to follow. Two thumbs up!

  • Vicki Valenta

    I made this for dinner tonight. I give it two thumbs up. It’s delicious! I’ll be making it often.

  • This looks perfect–and cooked in a crock pot is a plus. I will try it.

  • Lori Yates

    I love this idea! I’m never a fan of the “mushy” slow-cooker carnitas texture, but this I could get on board with!

  • Gina @ Kleinworth & Co.

    OH my- I love carnitas. I can’t get enough. I sooooo needed this recipe. Thank you!

5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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photo of Danelle, author of Let's Dish

Hello! Iโ€™m Danelle. Thanks for visiting.

At Let's Dish, I'm bringing a taste of uptown foodie to real-life, everyday meals! Here, I share my favorite recipes that make mealtime easy.
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