Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico! These Dutch Oven Chicken Carnitas are not just another chicken recipe - they're a mouthwatering experience that combines tender, juicy chicken with bold, authentic Mexican flavors. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for slow cooking.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the Dutch oven and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure to coat them evenly on both sides.
- Once the onions and garlic are ready, push them to the side of the Dutch oven and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds flavor and texture to the meat.
- After browning the chicken, pour in the orange juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, incorporating them into the juice for added flavor.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the juices and onions.
- For extra flavor, you can return the shredded chicken to the oven uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp up the edges if desired.
- Serve the chicken carnitas warm with your choice of tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for a delicious Mexican meal.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking if time allows. • Choose chicken thighs with some fat content for the most tender and flavorful result. • Don't skip the searing step - it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior. • Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven - they're packed with flavor! • For extra crispy edges, broil the shredded chicken for 2-3 minutes after cooking. • Freshly squeezed orange juice works best for adding that bright, citrusy note. • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. • Serve with warm corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the most authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
