Are you ready to transform your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine? Our Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe is here to bring a burst of taste and texture to your meals. Traditionally, carnitas are made with pork, but this chicken version offers a lighter yet equally delicious alternative. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of carnitas, share the step-by-step process to make them in your Instant Pot, and provide tips and variations to suit your preferences.
The Origins of Carnitas
Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, originate from the Michoacán region of Mexico. Traditionally, pork is slow-cooked until tender and then crisped to perfection. This technique creates a delectable combination of juicy meat with a crispy exterior, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Our chicken version offers a lighter take on this classic, making it suitable for those who prefer poultry over pork.
Ingredients
To make the best Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas or rice for serving
- Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, and lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Sear the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the chicken thighs and sear them on both sides until golden brown. This step helps to lock in the flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Add the Juices: Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it and release all the flavorful bits. Return the chicken thighs to the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
Step 4: Shred and Crisp the Chicken
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. If the chicken is hard to shred, it might need more cooking time. This could be due to using thicker pieces or not enough cooking time. If this happens, simply return it to the pot and cook for a few more minutes.
- Crisp the Chicken: For that signature crispy texture, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then add the shredded chicken. Cook until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Assemble Your Meal: Serve the crispy chicken carnitas on warm corn tortillas or over a bed of rice. Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, and lime wedges.
Tips and Variations
- Rubbery Chicken Issue: If your Instant Pot chicken turns out rubbery, it might be due to overcooking or using chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain tender.
- Chewy Chicken Solution: To prevent chewy chicken, ensure you are not using the “keep warm” setting for too long after cooking, as it can continue to cook the chicken and affect its texture.
- Authentic Touch: For a more authentic chicken carnitas flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick during the cooking process.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer using a different cooking method, you can make these chicken carnitas in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Simply follow the same seasoning and searing steps, then cook on low for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours in a Dutch oven until the chicken is tender.
- Add Some Heat: If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeño to the onions and garlic during sautéing.
Nutritional Information
Here is the basic nutritional information per serving of Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
With its succulent, flavorful meat and a crispy finish, our Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out! Share your photos and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com.
For more Instant Pot ideas, check out our Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas with Rice recipe, or explore traditional methods like our Chicken Carnitas Slow Cooker for a rich and savory experience. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox.