Chipotle Carnitas Recipe

Experience the explosive flavors of authentic Chipotle Carnitas! This mouthwatering recipe, adapted from the Niman Ranch cookbook, features tender braised pork shoulder infused with smoky chipotle peppers, fragrant cumin, and rich tomatoes. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this recipe will become your new go-to for unforgettable meals. Prepare to be amazed by the melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold, satisfying taste.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 300 mins

Calories 347.9 kcal

Protein 47g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Chipotle Carnitas

3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder
Vegetable Oil
Cumin Seed
Onion
Garlic Cloves
Diced Tomatoes
Fresh Oregano
Whole Cloves
Bay Leaf
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
Adobo Sauce
Water
Salt And Pepper

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How to Make Chipotle Carnitas

Pat a 3-4 lb pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add 1 tbsp cumin seeds to the pot and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add 1 large onion, chopped, and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to your spice preference), and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add one (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes (with their juices), 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 4 whole cloves, and 1 cup chicken stock (or water). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the pork shoulder to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Braise the pork until it's fall-apart tender: approximately 3-4 hours on the stovetop, 3-4 hours in a 325°F oven, or 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
Once tender, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the braising liquid and set aside. Remove the bay leaves, cloves, and oregano.
Using an immersion blender, purée the braising liquid into a smooth sauce. If too thin, simmer uncovered until slightly reduced.
Shred the pork shoulder using two forks.
Return the shredded pork to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
Serve your delicious Chipotle Carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or enjoy it as is!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

Fat

43g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Pork Recipes The Americas American Mexican Gluten Free Game Day Recipes Slow Cooker One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Course Main Ingredient Cuisine North American Main Dish Pork Mexican Meat

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Chipotle Carnitas?

Chipotle Carnitas takes about 330 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 300 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Chipotle Carnitas?

Chipotle Carnitas has approximately 347.9 calories per serving, with about 47 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates and 40 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Chipotle Carnitas?

The key ingredients for Chipotle Carnitas are Pork Shoulder, Vegetable Oil, Cumin Seed, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Diced Tomatoes. See the full list with measurements above.