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Chicken Carnitas

A juicy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs, spices, and cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, perfect for tacos or burritos.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, coating the chicken well.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a splash of oil, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken in the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and squeeze in the lime juice.
  4. Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
  5. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. You can return the shredded meat to the pot and mix it with the juices or serve it separately.
  6. Dish up the chicken carnitas with your favorite tortillas and toppings. Enjoy this succulent meal!

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a more flavorful and moist result. Adjust spices to suit your preference. Chicken Carnitas freeze well, perfect for meal prep!