Pork Carnitas Recipe (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

Juicy and crispy, tender Mexican pulled pork is one of my absolute favorite dinners, and best of all? This easy carnitas recipe can be cooked 3 ways: in a slow-cooker, Dutch oven, or an Instant Pot.

Prep time: PT15M

Cook time: PT8H

Total time: PT8H15M

Rating

5 stars (50 reviews)

Keywords

carnitas, fall recipe, winter recipe, dairy-free recipe, gluten-free recipe, low-carb recipe, whole-30 recipe, kid-friendly, pressure-cooker, slow-cooker

Ingredients

2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
1 large orange, juiced, rind reserved
Juice of 1 lime
2 cups chicken stock
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4-inch pieces

Cuisine

Mexican

Steps

Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
In a large Dutch oven, combine the bay leaves, oregano, chili powder, kosher salt, cumin, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion, orange juice and rind, lime juice and chicken stock.
Nestle in the meat, cover, and roast for 2½ to 3 hours or until the pork is very tender and can be pulled apart easily with a fork. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, discarding any large pieces of fat. Use two forks to shred the pork into 1-inch pieces. Generously brush the meat with reserved liquid.
Turn on the broiler. Broil the shredded meat until the edges are crispy and caramelized, 5-8 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and using a spatula, flip the meat over. Broil for 5 more minutes, or until crispy on top.
Use the carnitas as desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutitrion

Calories: 293 calories
Carbohydrates: 4 grams carbohydrates
Protein: 27 grams protein
Fat: 19 grams fat
Saturated Fat: 6 grams saturated fat
Cholesterol: 84 milligrams cholesterol
Sodium: 433 milligrams sodium
Sugar: 2 grams sugar

Reviews

Ann Bair on 2026-05-30 (5 stars):
Delicious made in the crockpot exactly as written.
Anne on 2026-05-30 (5 stars):
I came home with an empty dish! My art class has a standing potluck dinner. I am one of the few still working, so, this recipe was perfect (crock pot). I toned down the spice a little, knowing the audience. (Easier to add back heat.) My classmates gave me high marks and, for the first time, every bit of my contribution was eaten. A win! I definitely will make this again.
Sara on 2026-05-30 (5 stars):
I made the pork carnitas for dinner yesterday. I followed the recipe exactly.?The pulled pork was delicious! My family loved it! Easy to make! Awesome taste! TY
Sara on 2026-05-30 (5 stars):
I made the pork carnitas for dinner yesterday. I followed the recipe exactly.?The pulled pork was delicious! My family loved it! Easy to make! Awesome taste! TY
Hannah Baylock on 2026-03-15 (5 stars):
This is the best carnitas and my favorite way to cook a pork butt. I've made it several times since discovering this recipe a couple of months ago and it's been perfect every time.
Great easy recipie on 2026-02-25 (5 stars):
Great recipe. I also love to add a diced jalapeño (with or without seeds depending on how spicy you like it)
Melissa Eells on 2026-02-11 (5 stars):
Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I cooked it in the Dutch oven and made burrito bowls with this. Next time, I think I'll make tacos, or maybe nachos, or maybe??? Who knows, but I'm definitely making it again!! Delicious, already passed on the recipe to my daughter and daughter in law!!
Jess Strathman on 2026-02-03 (4 stars):
These turned out AMAZING. Super easy to follow and cook and tasted phenomenal.
Jamie on 2026-01-31 (5 stars):
Delicious and easy! I seasoned w/ salt browned the meat beforehand and used a Dutch oven :)
Mark on 2025-12-22 (5 stars):
I never write reviews, but this recipe is fantastic. Thanks for sharing