If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, our Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas Recipe is a perfect choice. Inspired by traditional Mexican carnitas, this recipe uses chicken for a lighter twist. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish in no time. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or over a bed of rice, these chicken carnitas are sure to become a family favorite.
Introduction
Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish made by simmering pork in oil or lard until tender. This recipe puts a twist on the classic by using chicken, making it a healthier option while retaining all the delicious flavors. The addition of pineapple juice and ginger adds a tropical flair, creating a unique fusion that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Does Pineapple Juice Tenderize Chicken?
Yes, pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, making it an excellent natural tenderizer for chicken. Marinating chicken in pineapple juice results in tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for carnitas.
Is Pineapple and Ginger Good?
Absolutely! Pineapple and ginger are a fantastic pairing. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the warm, spicy notes of ginger, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas or flour tortillas for serving
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cooking
- Cook in the Instant Pot:
- Place the marinated chicken and marinade in the Instant Pot.
- Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 12 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Reserve the cooking liquid.
Crisping
- Crisp the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the shredded chicken and a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid to the skillet.
- Cook until the edges of the chicken become crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the Carnitas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of crispy chicken, then top with cilantro, diced red onion, and sliced avocado. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- For Extra Crispy Carnitas: Spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes instead of using a skillet. This will give you an evenly crisped texture.
- Pineapple Ginger Chicken Marinade: Use any leftover marinade as a sauce. Simmer it over medium heat until slightly thickened and drizzle over the carnitas.
Variations
- Stir Fried Ginger Pineapple Chicken Recipe: Instead of crisping the chicken in a skillet, stir-fry it with sliced bell peppers and onions for a quick ginger pineapple chicken stir fry.
- Stir Fried Ginger Pineapple Chicken with Rice: Serve the carnitas over steamed rice instead of tortillas for a satisfying bowl meal.
- Simple Stir Fried Ginger Pineapple Chicken: For a simpler version, skip the Instant Pot and cook the marinated chicken directly in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Stir Fried Ginger Pineapple Chicken Chinese Style: Add soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil to the marinade for a Chinese-inspired flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
Our Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Carnitas Recipe offers a delicious twist on a Mexican classic. With the tropical flavors of pineapple and ginger, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and let us know how it turns out by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.