Name: Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 h
Total time: 9 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 pound pork shoulder; 2 jalapeño peppers, diced ribs and seeds removed; 1 sweet onion, diced; 2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving tender, flavorful pork that practically melts in your mouth, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that’s easy to prep, slow cooks while you go about your day, and then delivers a fiesta of flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, I’m here to share all the tips that’ll have you making perfect carnitas every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Convenience: Toss everything in the slow cooker and come home to perfectly tender carnitas.
Big Bold Flavors: A blend of orange juice, lime, spices, and a touch of sweetness makes the pork irresistible.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even salads — the possibilities are endless.
Crispy Finish: The broiler step adds that authentic carnitas crunch that takes this recipe to the next level.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This slow cooker carnitas recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend beautifully to create mouthwatering pork with layers of acidity, spice, and sweetness. Each ingredient plays its part to elevate the humble pork shoulder into something magical.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe - Ingredients

Pork Shoulder: This cut has just the right balance of fat and meat to stay juicy during the long cook.
Jalapeño Peppers: Adds a gentle heat without overwhelming the dish; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Sweet Onion: Provides a mellow sweetness that complements the tangy and smoky flavors.
Minced Garlic: Garlic is a must-have for that savory depth; jarred saves time and still delivers punch.
Oregano & Chili Powder: Essential spices giving the characteristic Mexican flavor profile.
Salt & Pepper: Basics that bring out the natural taste of the meat and seasonings.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the pork moist as it slow cooks and adds subtle richness.
Orange Juice: Adds brightness and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat and spices.
Lime Juice: A splash of tang to brighten up the slow-simmered pork.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the umami and thickens the cooking liquid into a rich sauce.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch to round out acidity and add caramelized notes during broiling.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your tastes and needs. Over time, I’ve added my own little twists that kicked the flavor up a notch — and you should totally do the same!

Spice It Up: If you love some extra heat, I’ve tried adding chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky kick that’s out of this world.
Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, swap out pork shoulder for leaner cuts like pork loin, but keep in mind the cook time and fat content will change.
Seasonal Twist: During the summer, I toss in fresh cilantro and diced pineapple after cooking for a bright, tropical vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe - Recipe Step

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

This is the simplest part—just dice up your jalapeños (don’t forget to remove those ribs and seeds unless you want it super spicy), chop the onion, and get your minced garlic ready. Then, place the pork shoulder right into the slow cooker and pile the veggies and garlic on top. This layering helps infuse the pork with vibrant flavors throughout the long cook.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

Sprinkle the oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over everything. Don’t be shy with the seasoning — slow-cooked pork loves bold flavors. Mixing your spices with a little patience goes a long way here, so you’re setting the stage for that authentic carnitas taste.

Step 3: Mix the Magic Sauce

In a separate bowl, stir together chicken broth, orange juice, fresh lime juice, tomato paste, and brown sugar. This concoction is what gives your carnitas those sunny, zesty notes with a hint of caramel sweetness. Pour this right over your pork and spices, making sure everything gets cozy in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. This is where the magic really happens — the pork becomes ridiculously tender and juicy, absorbing all those vibrant flavors. I always recommend checking that the internal temperature reaches around 201°F to 205°F, so it shreds effortlessly but stays moist.

Step 5: Shred and Soak Up the Goodness

Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks — my favorite part! Then, toss the shredded meat back into the slow cooker juices to soak up every last bit of sauce. This step ensures your carnitas are bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Crisp It Up (Optional but Highly Recommended)

This is my secret weapon for authentic carnitas texture: spread the shredded pork on a foil-lined baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely until the edges turn crispy and browned. It’s a game-changer and so worth the extra few minutes!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: Adding that crispy edge is what truly mimics traditional carnitas, so I’ve learned it’s worth the extra effort.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I was always guessing until I started monitoring internal temp — reading 203–205°F means your pork will shred like butter.
Remove Jalapeño Seeds for Controlled Heat: Those seeds pack serious spice; I prefer milder carnitas that everyone can enjoy.
Layer Ingredients to Maximize Flavor: Putting veggies on top helps flavors slowly drip down into the pork, upping the taste game.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this carnitas recipe, I love topping it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime — it gives that fresh vibrancy that cuts through the richness. Diced white onion adds crunch and a bit of sharpness, and for an extra layer, some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese works like a charm.

Side Dishes

Pair your carnitas with classic sides like warm corn or flour tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans for a full-on fiesta. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside pickled jalapeños, sliced avocado, or even a simple cabbage slaw — all adding their own texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like making carnitas nachos by layering crispy tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, cheese, jalapeños, and lots of fresh toppings. Another favorite? Carnitas salad bowls with black beans, corn, avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo. It’s fun to mix things up and see how versatile this carnitas recipe really is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover carnitas in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to four days. I like to keep the meat separate from any garnishes so it stays super flavorful and juicy when I reheat it.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully with this Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe. I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ve essentially got a homemade convenience meal ready to go.

Reheating

I reheat carnitas either in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist or spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This second method helps revive some of that crispy texture if you broiled it originally.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make carnitas on the stovetop or in the oven, but the slow cooker is hands-down easier and gives a more tender, fall-apart texture due to the low and slow cooking. If using an oven, roasting at a low temp for several hours while basting can work, but expect a bit more active cooking time.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe?

The heat level is mild to medium thanks to the jalapeños with seeds removed. You can adjust the spice by adding more jalapeños, leaving in some seeds, or incorporating hotter chili powders if you prefer.
Is it necessary to broil the carnitas at the end?

Broiling is optional but highly recommended to get those crispy edges that make carnitas special. If you’re short on time, you can definitely skip it and still have incredibly tasty pork.
Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork in this recipe?

While the flavors are tailored for pork shoulder, you can experiment with other meats. Chicken thighs can work for a lighter version, but cooking times and textures will vary. Beef chuck roast is another substitute but expect a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the carnitas are done?

The pork should reach an internal temperature between 201°F and 205°F for ideal shredding. It’ll be super tender and easy to pull apart with forks when it’s perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes because it’s so fuss-free yet full of flavor. I love how it fills the house with that irresistible aroma and how versatile it is for different meals. I genuinely believe once you make it, carnitas will have a permanent spot in your family’s favorites list — just like it did in mine. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to impress yourself with effortless, restaurant-quality carnitas at home.