Craving an easy Mexican dinner but short on time? Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas is your go-to for a quick weeknight meals.
Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or any day you desire those spicy and smoky Mexican flavors. Using an Instant Pot, this boneless chicken recipe whips up in under 30 minutes, offering a hassle-free and scrumptious Instant Pot recipe dinner option.
Easy Instant Pot Recipes
This Instant Pot boneless chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, turning what used to be a slow-cooked Mexican cuisine into a quick and easy 30 minute savory chicken dinner recipe.
Chicken carnitas made in the Instant Pot are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, plus the cleanup is a breeze. This method retains all the spicy, smoky goodness of traditional carnitas without the long cooking time.
Exploring the vibrant and flavorful world of Mexican cuisine has never been easier with the help of an Instant Pot. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, Creamy Chicken Tacos or Salsa Chicken is so easy to make. The Instant Pot is your secret weapon for quick and easy meals.
Chicken Carnitas Ingredients
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
- vegetable or olive oil: For sautéing onions, creating a flavorful base.
- white onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- minced garlic: Provides a punch of flavor essential to Mexican cuisine.
- ground cumin: Lends a warm, earthy note.
- dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal brightness. Make dehydrated oregano at home and save money!
- salt & ground black pepper: Seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- chili powder: Introduces a mild heat and complexity.
- pineapple or orange juice: Adds a sweet tanginess, tenderizing the chicken.
- lime juice: Provides acidity, balancing the richness.
- chicken broth: Moistens and infuses the chicken with more flavor.
- boneless skinless chicken: The star of the dish, made tender and delicious.
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👇See the step by step directions below!
Recipe Prep
Before starting, gather all ingredients and ensure your Instant Pot is ready. Minimal prep means more time enjoying your meal!
Step by Step Directions
- Step 1: Activate the sauté function on your Instant Pot and heat the oil. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 3 mins). Cancel the sauté setting. Add the minced garlic and stir with a wooden spoon for one minute.
- Step 2: Add the spices, and stir in chicken stock, pineapple/orange, and lime juice. Add the boneless chicken pieces and toss to coat with the liquids, twist the lid on and lock into place. Push the pressure valve to the sealing position.
- Step 3: Press the manual or pressure cooking button and set the time for 8 minutes. It may take up to 15 minutes for the appliance to start pressure cooking.
- Step 4: Once the pressure cooking time has ended allow a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. Push the pressure valve to the open position to allow a quick release any remaining steam.
- Step 5: Shred the chicken after resting for 5 minutes, then return to the pot and toss with the juices.
- Step 6: The juicy Instant Pot shredded chicken carnitas are ready to serve. Spoon into warm flour tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
How To Make Crispy Chicken Carnitas
For that irresistible crispy carnitas crunch, broil the shredded chicken with some juices on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, tossing once or twice and watching closely to prevent drying.
Optional Garnishes
Enhance your carnitas with vibrant garnishes like:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh cilantro
- tangy lime wedges
- quick pickled jalapeno slices
- creamy sliced avocado
- quick pickled red onions
Each carnitas topping adds a unique layer of flavor and texture to the homemade chicken carnitas.
Serving Suggestions
How to Serve Chicken Carnitas:
- In flour tortillas for shredded chicken tacos
- Over rice for burrito bowls
- Chicken quesadilla filling
- Atop nachos
- Mixed into a taco salad
Complement Your Meal:
Serve these side dishes with this recipe and make it a meal.
- Rice with Chorizo
- homemade refired pinto beans or refried black beans
- fresh corn salad to round out your meal.
Don’t forget a side of guacamole and chips!
Drinks to serve
- 50 Margarita recipes to choose from.
- For a refreshing drink, try a fruity iced tea, a refreshing Honeydew Melon Agua fresca or homemade Horchata.
Helpful Cooking Tools
Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.
Leftovers
Chicken carnitas make great leftovers! Store in an airtight container and enjoy for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove with some additional chicken stock or water to keep the meat from drying out.
Storing Leftovers:
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
📌8 Instant Pot Tips for Perfect Carnitas:
- Use the sauté function to build flavor.
- Natural release is crucial for tender chicken.
- Shred chicken while warm.
- Broil for a crispy finish.
- Keep the lid on properly.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Monitor broiling closely.
- Experiment with garnishes for variety.
Quick and Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Recipe
Ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor? Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas is your answer. Quick, delicious, and versatile, it’s a recipe that calls for celebration any day of the week.
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Looking for more delicious and efficient Instant Pot recipes? Check out our other recipes.
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Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup pineapple or orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ lbs. Boneless skinless chicken
- 6 whole flour tortillas (6 inch)
Instructions
Recipe Prep
- Before starting, gather all ingredients and ensure your Instant Pot is ready. Minimal prep means more time enjoying your meal!
Make the Carnitas
- Activate the sauté function on your Instant Pot and heat the oil. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 3 mins). Cancel the sauté setting. Add the minced garlic and stir with a wooden spoon for one minute.
- Add the spices, and stir in chicken stock, pineapple/orange, and lime juice. Add the boneless chicken pieces and toss to coat with the liquids, twist the lid on and lock into place. Push the pressure valve to the sealing position.
- Press the manual or pressure cooking button and set the time for 8 minutes. It may take up to 15 minutes for the appliance to start pressure cooking.
- Once the pressure cooking time has ended allow a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. Push the pressure valve to the open position to allow a quick release any remaining steam.
- Shred the chicken after resting for 5 minutes, then return to the pot and toss with the juices.
- Spoon into warm flour tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
For Crispy Carnitas
- Broil the shredded chicken with some juices on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, tossing once or twice and watching closely to prevent drying.
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