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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy pork carnitas made effortlessly in the slow cooker for the best tacos and bowls.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork Carnitas
  • 4 lbs pork shoulder cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 0.25 cup lime juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
For Serving
  • tortillas corn or flour
  • diced onion
  • cilantro
  • lime wedges

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet (optional)

Method
 

  1. Season pork with salt, pepper, and spices, then place in slow cooker with juices and broth.
  2. Cook on LOW 8–10 hours or HIGH 4–6 hours until tender.
  3. Shred pork and drizzle with reserved liquid.
  4. Broil or skillet-fry shredded pork until crispy.
  5. Serve carnitas in tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime.

Notes

Crisping the carnitas is essential for authentic texture and flavor.