Description
Succulent chicken carnitas tacos bring Mexican street food magic straight to home kitchens, celebrating bold spices and tender meat. Crispy edges, zesty toppings, and warm tortillas invite diners to savor an authentic culinary experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnishes and Serving Accompaniments:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocados
- Radishes
- Jalapeño slices
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with the spice blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
- Pour lime and orange juices into the skillet, stirring to integrate. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes at low temperature until chicken becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Remove chicken from skillet and shred using two forks. Return shredded meat to the pan, allowing it to absorb remaining cooking liquids for an additional 5 minutes, intensifying the overall taste profile.
- Transfer carnitas to serving dishes. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, sliced avocados, thinly cut radishes, jalapeño rings, and lime wedges. Serve immediately while still warm and fragrant.
Notes
- Spice Flexibility: Adjust the spice blend to suit personal heat preferences by increasing or decreasing chili powder and adding cayenne for extra kick.
- Meat Selection: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or pork carnitas for different protein variations while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
- Liquid Alternatives: Replace orange and lime juice with chicken broth or beer for deeper flavor complexity and more tender meat texture.
- Dietary Adaptations: Make gluten-free by using certified gluten-free spices and serving in corn tortillas instead of flour varieties for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg