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+ servings

Chicken Carnitas

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken cooked with spices, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spices
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
Toppings
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1 cup diced onions for garnish
  • 1 cup sliced radishes for garnish
  • 1 cup lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  4. Pour the chicken broth and lime juice over the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred and Serve
  1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  2. Optional: In a skillet, heat a little oil and crisp the shredded chicken for added texture.
  3. Serve with toppings of your choice and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the slow cooker.

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