Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy, Flavorful Meal Prep

Welcome to your new obsession: Crispy Chicken Carnitas, made incredibly easy and fast in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker! Forget hours of simmering; we’re talking about a quick and efficient method that results in tender, juicy shredded chicken with irresistible crispy edges. Perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious meal prep option, these versatile carnitas can be wrapped in warm tortillas, tucked into hearty burritos, or served over rice bowls for a satisfying, flavorful meal any day of the week.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delicious way to enjoy chicken – crispy chicken carnitas straight from your pressure cooker. This recipe takes all the traditional, mouth-watering flavors of classic carnitas and adapts them for a modern, time-saving kitchen. The secret lies in a two-step process: first, the chicken is pressure cooked to perfection, ensuring it’s incredibly tender and infused with aromatic spices. Then, it’s quickly broiled until those glorious edges are wonderfully crisp, creating a textural contrast that will have you coming back for more.

Bear with me while I revel in this moment of carnitas bliss, and if it’s not too much to ask, please join me! Imagine this: succulent shredded chicken, rich with savory spices and bright citrus notes, getting beautifully caramelized under the broiler. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch on the outside, yielding to an interior that’s unbelievably tender and juicy. We then lovingly tuck this flavorful chicken into warm, soft white corn tortillas, though homemade flour tortillas are equally amazing. From there, the topping possibilities are truly endless, but sometimes, simple is best. A sprinkle of freshly diced onions and chopped cilantro is often all you need to elevate these carnitas. And, of course, a generous drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. Because let’s be honest, a good sauce makes everything better!

And while we’re on the topic of tacos and these incredible crispy chicken carnitas, may I just add that true friends don’t keep tabs on how many tacos you eat. If you were to join me for dinner tonight, there would be absolutely no judgment on my part regarding the number of warm tortillas you piled high with this amazing chicken, slathered with sauce, and consumed in one sitting. No, ma’am. Friends ensure there’s an abundant supply of tortillas, ready for you to load up with tender chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, vibrant toppings, and then repeat the delightful process. In fact, you can even transform them into epic carnitas nachos, complete with a generous dollop of creamy guacamole. Please and thank you!

It’s genuinely astounding how straightforward these crispy chicken carnitas are to prepare, and their versatility is unparalleled. Having a large batch of this flavorful shredded chicken readily available in your fridge or freezer is an absolute game-changer for crafting quick, delicious, and healthy meals throughout the entire week. From tacos and burritos to salads and grain bowls, your mealtime options expand dramatically. I’m truly over the moon about this recipe right now; can you tell?

Crispy Chicken Carnitas in 1 Minute (Video Guide):

Get a quick visual overview of how to achieve perfectly crispy and tender chicken carnitas using your Instant Pot. This concise video will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you master this recipe with confidence. Watch how easy it is to transform simple ingredients into a meal prep masterpiece!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Carnitas:

Crafting exceptional Instant Pot chicken carnitas starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the deep, complex flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each element is important:

• Chicken: For these crispy chicken carnitas, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are your best bet. While I often opt for chicken breasts for their leaner profile, dark meat lovers will find chicken thighs deliver an even richer, juicier result due to their higher fat content, which truly shines in a pressure cooker. Both options absorb the seasonings beautifully, so choose what you prefer!
• Seasonings: A well-stocked spice drawer is key! You’ll need a vibrant blend of ground cumin for earthy warmth, chili powder for a touch of mild spice and color, dried oregano for its herbaceous and slightly peppery notes, kosher salt to enhance all the flavors, and freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick. These spices are the backbone of the carnitas flavor profile. Don’t forget a pinch of garlic powder if you’re whipping up the essential chipotle sauce!
• Citrus: Citrus is non-negotiable for authentic carnitas flavor. You’ll use both the bright, fragrant zest and the juicy liquid of a fresh orange, alongside a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. This citrus trio not only adds a crucial layer of acidity and freshness but also helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates and cooks, infusing it with incredible zesty notes.
• Chicken Broth: Just ¼ cup of good quality chicken broth is all you need in the pressure cooker. It combines with the citrus juices to create the perfect flavorful liquid for cooking the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and absorbs all the aromatic goodness during the high-pressure cooking process.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundational flavor base. Adding a quartered yellow onion and several cloves of pressed or chopped garlic to the pot provides a sweet and pungent depth that caramelizes slightly during searing and then mellows beautifully as it pressure cooks, infusing the chicken with their irresistible essence.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: For that signature smoky heat, you’ll need a couple of chipotle peppers packed in adobo sauce. These peppers contribute a complex, smoky, and moderately spicy flavor that is characteristic of authentic Mexican cuisine. The adobo sauce itself is also a treasure trove of flavor – don’t discard it! You’ll use some for the chicken and potentially more if you decide to make a creamy, spicy chipotle sauce for serving.
• Bay Leaf: Toss in a dried bay leaf with the other ingredients. This humble herb imparts a subtle, savory, and slightly peppery note that enhances the overall complexity of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Oil: A good quality oil, such as avocado oil or your preferred cooking oil, is essential for searing the chicken. Searing creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture, developing deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction before the pressure cooking begins.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must, both during cooking and as a garnish. A handful added while the chicken cooks infuses it with its distinctive fresh, bright, and slightly citrusy flavor. Then, a final sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving brightens the entire dish, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh taste.
• Mayonnaise: This is a key ingredient if you’re making the optional but highly recommended creamy chipotle sauce. Mayonnaise provides a rich, tangy base that perfectly balances the smoky heat of the chipotle peppers, creating an ideal condiment for tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, or nachos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas:

Making crispy chicken carnitas in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process that yields incredibly tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Flavorful Seasoning Mix. Begin by gathering your dry spices: ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Combine them thoroughly in a small bowl. This ensures an even distribution of flavor. Next, pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear. Liberally sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken, pressing it gently to ensure it adheres well.
2. Sear the Chicken for Enhanced Flavor. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting on high. Once hot, add a tablespoon or two of avocado oil (or your preferred cooking oil). When the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. If necessary, sear in batches. Allow the chicken to sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, develops deep, complex flavors and helps lock in the juices. Once seared, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics. With the Instant Pot still on “Sauté,” add the quartered onions and pressed or chopped garlic cloves to the pot. Stir frequently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called deglazing and adds tremendous flavor). Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant. This step extracts their sweet and pungent flavors, building another layer of taste for your carnitas.
4. Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection. Now, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. Return the seared chicken back into the pressure cooker. Add the chipotle peppers (along with 1-2 tablespoons of their adobo sauce), the bay leaf, a handful of fresh cilantro, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, and the ¼ cup of chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the liquids and seasonings around the chicken. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensure the vent is sealed, and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on high pressure. For smaller chicken breasts, cook for 8 minutes; for larger breasts or thighs, aim for 9-10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, you can do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position, allowing the steam to escape rapidly. Once the pin drops, you can safely remove the lid.
5. Shred the Chicken and Reserve the Liquid. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a large bowl or a clean cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s comfortable enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For even faster shredding, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. **Important:** Do not even THINK about discarding that incredibly flavorful cooking liquid remaining in the Instant Pot! This liquid is liquid gold. Measure out ¼ cup of this flavorful broth and drizzle it over the shredded chicken. Toss gently to coat. This step ensures your chicken remains incredibly moist and deeply flavorful before broiling.
6. Broil for Ultimate Crispy Edges. Position an oven rack in the center of your oven and preheat the broiler to high. Spread the shredded chicken evenly onto a large sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil over the chicken, then toss to coat thoroughly. The oil helps achieve that desired crispiness. Place the sheet pan under the preheated broiler for a total of 10-12 minutes. **Crucially, watch it carefully as broilers can vary and burn food quickly!** After about 5-6 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, use tongs or a spatula to give the chicken a good toss, rotating the pan for even crisping. Drizzle another 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid over the chicken to keep it flavorful and moist. Return to the broiler for the remaining time, until the edges are beautifully browned and crispy. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle with a final flourish of fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

If you’re a fan of this recipe, you might also enjoy these flavorful dishes:

• Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
• Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Smashed Avocados
• ​Gotta Have ‘Em Ancho Chicken Street Tacos
• Marinated Mojo Steak Tacos with Guacamole
• Big Batch Homemade Taco Seasoning

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