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Home » Instant Pot Chicken Recipes » Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas

Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas

Published: Apr 10, 2024 by Arlene Mobley · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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.

Vertical image of carnitas garnished with avocado and diced onion on a plate.

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! ⬇️

Bowls with premeasured chicken carnitas ingredients.
  • 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.
Uncooked chicken and carnitas sauce in the pressure cooker.
  • 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.
Cooked and seasoned chicken before shredding in the Instant Pot.
  • Step 5: Shred the chicken after resting for 5 minutes, then return to the pot and toss with the juices.
Shredded and seasoned shredded chicken filling in the Instant Pot.
  • Step 6: The juicy Instant Pot shredded chicken carnitas are ready to serve. Spoon into warm flour tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
Serving shredded chicken carnitas on a dinner plate with all the 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.

Nostalgia Taco Tuesday Heated Lazy Susan Taco Bar Serving Set for a Party with 4 Tortilla Holders, Fondue Pot for Burritos, Nachos, and Fajitas - 20 Oz. - RedNostalgia Taco Tuesday Heated Lazy Susan Taco Bar Serving Set for a Party with 4 Tortilla Holders, Fondue Pot for Burritos, Nachos, and Fajitas - 20 Oz. - RedKreapa Guacamole keeper(2park) guacamole bowls avocado keeper Fresh Guacamole Plastic Kitchen Storage Container with Air Tight Lid, 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer avocado tool 2pcsKreapa Guacamole keeper(2park) guacamole bowls avocado keeper Fresh Guacamole Plastic Kitchen Storage Container with Air Tight Lid, 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer avocado tool 2pcsInstant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté Pan, Yogurt Maker, Warmer, Canning Pot, Sous Vide, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, 6 QuartInstant Pot Pro Plus Wi-Fi Smart 10-in-1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté Pan, Yogurt Maker, Warmer, Canning Pot, Sous Vide, Includes App with Over 800 Recipes, 6 QuartAcronde 2 Pairs Mini Oven Gloves Silicone Heat Resistant Cooking Pinch Mitts Potholder for Kitchen Cooking & Baking (Red and Blue)Acronde 2 Pairs Mini Oven Gloves Silicone Heat Resistant Cooking Pinch Mitts Potholder for Kitchen Cooking & Baking (Red and Blue)BrylaneHome Santa Fe 16-Piece Hand-Painted Colorful Multi Stripe Southwestern Fiesta Stoneware Dinnerware Set (Service for 4) Dinner Dessert Plates Bowls Saucers Mugs Cups - Multi StripeBrylaneHome Santa Fe 16-Piece Hand-Painted Colorful Multi Stripe Southwestern Fiesta Stoneware Dinnerware Set (Service for 4) Dinner Dessert Plates Bowls Saucers Mugs Cups - Multi Stripevancasso Bonita Pasta Bowls Set of 6, 38 oz Shallow Bowls, Ceramic Pasta Plates and Salad Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Serving Bowls, Assorted Colorsvancasso Bonita Pasta Bowls Set of 6, 38 oz Shallow Bowls, Ceramic Pasta Plates and Salad Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Serving Bowls, Assorted Colors

 

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.

Name Related Content Recipes

Looking for more delicious and efficient Instant Pot recipes? Check out our other recipes.

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    Instant Pot Mexican Beef and Rice
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    Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
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Have you tried the recipe? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below to let me know how the recipe turn out.

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Blue plate with 2 chicken carnitas served with rice and toppings.

Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas

Arlene Mobley - Flour On My Face
Discover how to make Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfect for a quick, flavorful Mexican dinner that's sure to impress. Perfect for Conco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday or any night you need a quick meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Steam Release 10 minutes mins
Total Time 28 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 184 kcal

Equipment

  • 8-Quart Instant Pot
  • Silicone Pot Holders
  • Silicone Strainer

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)
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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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 25gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 415mgPotassium: 536mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 167IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag @flouronmyface2

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About Arlene Mobley

Arlene Mobley author of Flour On My Face-a Food & Lifestyle website helping busy families get dinner on the table by serving easy recipes every week.

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Hi, I'm Arlene Mobley the cook & photographer here at Flour On My Face. I have been cooking for my family for over 40 years. I love sharing recipes to help busy families get dinner on the table.

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