Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, flavorful pork slow-cooked in a bright citrus and smoky chipotle sauce, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 lbs pork shoulder cut into large chunks and sear on all sides for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Transfer pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 chopped chipotle peppers, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 medium diced onion to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Stir ingredients gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the juices and stir to coat. Serve warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Citrus and Chipotle?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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