Mexican chicken carnitas is a delicious and flavorful dish that is popular in Mexican cuisine. It is a slow-cooked dish made with tender shredded chicken, fragrant spices, and tangy citrus flavors. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining guests. In this article, we will give you a professional and well-organized introduction to making authentic Mexican chicken carnitas at home. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy this traditional dish with a few simple steps.
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Carnitas, Salsa Verde, Pickled Red
Carnitas tacos are a beloved Mexican dish that is full of flavor and easy to make. The key to making the perfect carnitas tacos is using tender, slow-cooked pork that is packed with spices and topped with fresh toppings. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or a unique twist on the classic, these 20 recipes for carnitas tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings.
This traditional recipe for Mexican pork carnitas is a must-try for any taco lover. The pork is slow-cooked with spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. Serve on warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings and enjoy the deliciousness.
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Carnitas Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Pork Carnitas, Green Cabbage, Red
Street tacos are a popular variation of carnitas tacos, and for good reason. These small, handheld tacos are perfect for snacking on the go or for a quick and easy dinner. The pork is typically cooked with a bit of citrus juice and served with cilantro and onion for a fresh and zesty flavor.
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Slow Cooker Carnitas Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Chipotle Powder, Black Pepper
If you love quesadillas, then you have to try this recipe for slow cooker carnitas quesadillas. The pork is slow-cooked for hours and then shredded and stuffed inside a tortilla with cheese and your choice of toppings. Simply cook on a skillet until crispy and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Sopes
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Water, Corn Oil, Lard, Refried
Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that is similar to a corn tortilla, but with a thicker and slightly concave shape. These can be topped with carnitas, beans, cheese, and salsa for a tasty and filling meal. You can also mix and match toppings to create a variety of flavors.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is made by rolling tortillas around a filling and covering them in sauce. These carnitas enchiladas are filled with tender pork and topped with a spicy red sauce and melted cheese. Serve with rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Easy Pork Carnitas Taco Board
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Lime, White Onion, Cilantro, Chip, Blue
This recipe for an easy pork carnitas taco board is perfect for a crowd or a fun family dinner. Simply cook up some delicious carnitas and serve them with an array of toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole, and more. Let everyone create their own custom taco for a fun and interactive meal.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos With Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Main Ingredients: Salsa Verde, Tomatillos, Green Chilis, Onion, Fresh
For a unique twist on the classic carnitas tacos, try this recipe that incorporates a tangy tomatillo salsa verde. The combination of flavors from the slow-cooked pork and the zesty salsa is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
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Whole30 Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Sweet Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Avocado Oil, Salt, Pepper, Salsa
For those following a Whole30 diet, these chilaquiles with carnitas and sweet potatoes are a game-changer. This dish is made with a base of crispy tortilla chips, topped with tender pork, and finished off with a flavorful salsa and creamy avocado. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling good.
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Carnitas Caldo (Carnitas Soup)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Chayote, Garlic, Chicken Broth
For a cozy and comforting meal, try this recipe for carnitas caldo, also known as carnitas soup. This hearty soup is made with slow-cooked pork, vegetables, and spices, making it a flavorful and filling meal. Serve with warm tortillas for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano
If you're looking for a healthier option for your carnitas fix, try this pork carnitas burrito bowl recipe. It's made with a base of rice and beans, topped with juicy pork, and finished off with your choice of toppings. It's a delicious and customizable meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Carnitas Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pork Carnitas, Pinto Beans, Rice, Green Chilis, Cotija
For a simpler version of the classic enchiladas, try this recipe for carnitas enchiladas. The pork is slow-cooked and then mixed with a flavorful enchilada sauce before being rolled up in tortillas and baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious and easy meal.
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Beef Carnitas Tacos
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomato, Chopped Onion, Avocado, Fresh Cilantro
If you're not a fan of pork, don't worry – you can still enjoy the deliciousness of carnitas tacos with this recipe for beef carnitas tacos. The beef is slow-cooked and shredded, and then topped with your choice of toppings for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Carnitas Bowls
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Whole
For a grain-free option, try these carnitas bowls that are made with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. The tender pork is mixed with flavorful spices and served over a bed of cauliflower rice and topped with your favorite toppings. It's a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for those following a low-carb or paleo diet.
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Carnitas Migas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Lard, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Bay Leaf
Migas, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish, is made by mixing scrambled eggs with crispy tortilla strips and toppings like cheese, salsa, and avocado. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding in tender carnitas for a savory and satisfying breakfast that will keep you full all morning.
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Loaded Carnitas Tacos With Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Garlic, Avocado, Cilantro, Salt
For a loaded and delicious version of carnitas tacos, try this recipe that incorporates an irresistible avocado tomatillo salsa. The pork is slow-cooked and mixed with spices and then topped with the tangy and creamy salsa for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Carnitas Enchiladas (Pulled Pork Enchiladas)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Ground
Another variation of the classic enchiladas, this recipe for pulled pork enchiladas is a must-try for any carnitas lover. The pork is slow-cooked and mixed with spices and then rolled up in tortillas, covered in a flavorful sauce, and baked until gooey and delicious.
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Carnitas Taco Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Lime, Garlic Clove, Salt, Bibb Lettuce, Red
For a lighter option, try these carnitas taco lettuce wraps that are made with tender pork, fresh veggies, and a tangy and spicy salsa. The lettuce adds a nice crunch and a healthy twist to this classic dish.
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Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Main Ingredients: Carnitas, Pork, Corn Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese
If you're in the mood for a delicious and indulgent snack, try these loaded carnitas nachos. The crispy tortilla chips are topped with tender pork, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a mouth-watering treat that is perfect for game day or movie night.
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Carnitas Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
For a twist on the classic tortilla soup, try this recipe that includes tender carnitas for added flavor and protein. The soup is made with a blend of spices and topped with crispy tortilla strips and your choice of toppings for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Preparation and Ingredients
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin making your Mexican chicken carnitas, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients. The main ingredient is, of course, chicken. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Chicken thighs are preferred by many as they are more tender and have more flavor. You will also need garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, lime juice, and orange juice for the marinade. For the cooking process, you will need a large pot or Dutch oven, as well as some olive oil for frying the chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
The key to making flavorful Mexican chicken carnitas is marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, lime juice, and orange juice. Add the chicken to the marinade and make sure it is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Cooking the Chicken Carnitas
Searing the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it's time to start cooking. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned. This will help to seal in the flavors and give the chicken a crispy texture.
Cooking in the Marinade
After searing the chicken, add the remaining marinade to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes.
Shredding and Serving
Shredding the Chicken
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a more crispy texture, you can also shred the chicken and return it to the pot to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican chicken carnitas can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. It also makes a delicious topping for salads or rice bowls. For a traditional Mexican meal, serve the chicken carnitas with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Final Thoughts
Making authentic Mexican chicken carnitas at home may seem intimidating, but with our easy recipe, you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen. The key is in the marinating and slow cooking process, which results in tender and juicy chicken with a burst of Mexican flavors. So next time you're craving some delicious Mexican food, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
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