Go Back
Close up of the pork inside a white bowl with an orange and lime next to it.
Print

Crockpot Pork Carnitas

Course Crock Pot, Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword carnitas in the slow cooker, carnitas recipe, crockpot carnitas, crockpot pork carnitas
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

Seasoning Rub

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4-5 pounds boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
  • 64 ounces chicken broth (equal to 8 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed, chopped, or paste)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 large limes)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)

Instructions

  • Mix together the salt, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside.
    1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Place the pork onto a cutting board and cut it into 3-4 large chunks. Take a paper towel and pat the pork dry on all sides. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork chunks and rub/press the seasoning in on all sides of the pork.
    Place the pork chunks into the crockpot insert.
    4-5 pounds boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
  • Add the chicken broth, garlic cloves, fresh lime juice, and fresh orange juice into the crockpot. Cover with the lid.
    64 ounces chicken broth, 4 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Cook on LOW heat for 8 hours (preferred method) or cook on HIGH heat for 4-5 hours.
  • Remove the pork chunks from the crockpot and place them onto a cutting board (not the same one as the raw meat from earlier). Use two forks to shred and pull apart the pork.
  • Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and place it in the oven and BROIL for 5-6 minutes or until the meat starts to get crispy and charred.
  • Use tongs to serve the pork carnitas. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip : Remember to wash your hands after handling the raw pork. 
Dried Oregano : This is not the same thing as ground oregano. We want the regular oregano that looks similar to the parsley leaves. 
Chicken Broth : I find that using full salted chicken broth provides the best flavor. Reduced-sodium broth can be used if that's what you prefer. Use 2 cartons (32 oz each) for the broth or you can mix together 8 cups hot water with chicken bullion cubes, paste, or granules to equal the 8 cups of broth.