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These Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas are easy to make and taste amazing. This large batch is a meal prep must!
Have you ever been craving something, and figured that it was going to take too long to make? So you just said “forget about” and moved on, food craving still on the brain, and all? Yeah, me too. Some of my main cravings come in the form of tacos. And it wasn’t until I started to play around with my Instant Pot, did I realize that in the time it would take for me to eat at a restaurant, I could have a giant batch of chicken carnitas ready to go. Instant Pot to the rescue!
Carnitas, which is translated to little meats, originated in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Slow-cooked pork, or in this case, chicken, is shredded, served with warm tortillas, and topped with onion, salsa, guacamole, and refried beans.
Chicken Carnitas is a very flavorful dish. The texture is similar to a pulled pork sandwich found across the Southeastern U.S. just not as juicy. Aside from the chicken, the fresh cilantro adds a nice herbaceous kick. Though this carnitas recipe is cooked in orange juice, it is not citrusy, the OJ helps with carmelize the chicken during the brief broiling step at the end.
Yes, you can make this Chicken Carnitas recipe and save it. I have doubled the recipe before so I can use it for carnitas bowls while meal prepping.
RELATED: Meal Prep Timesavers
Yes, you can freeze this chicken carnitas recipe. I like to store them in a gallon-size Ziploc freezer bag. As long as they are protected from freezer burn, you can keep them frozen for a few months.
Chicken Carnitas is a great substitute for ground beef, and they will elevate any Taco Tuesday. Make a spread with warmed tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and chopped onions.
Looking for other Mexican-inspired recipes? Check out:
1. Instant Pot, or similar pressure cooker
2. Baking sheet
3. Mixing bowl
6. Stand mixer or handheld mixer
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