Copycat Chipotle Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

This copycat chipotle slow cooker pork carnitas recipe will be your new go to crockpot dinner. Pork butt seasoned and seared, slow cooked with broth, bay leaves, juniper berries, and fresh thyme. This pork has the perfect mild flavor so it pairs well in tacos or bowls where you have strong flavors from other ingredients. Slow cooking makes this fork tender, it shreds up easily in no time!

I love serving these Chipotle carnitas on grilled corn tortilla with grilled corn salsa, feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime! This tender meat will be a crowd favorite!

Highlights of this copycat recipe and why you’ll love it:

• Budget friendly: pork butt is a very budget friendly cut of meat and it goes a long way. One 4lb. pork butt can easily feed a family for several meals and its great for even the pickiest of eaters.
• Endless possibilities: these pork carnitas can be served in several way, helping to stretch the meat even further. These are great in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls with rice and toppings, on pizza, in grilled cheese sandwiches, or just by itself!
• Set it and forget it: for this crockpot recipe, all you need to do is add everything to a crockpot, cover, and cook. Mothing needs stirred or flipped while cooking – this truly is a set it and forget it recipe. The recipe does call for searing the pork butt before slow cooking, this step adds extra flavor but ultimately could be skipped if in a pinch.
• Freezer friendly: if you make a big batch of carnitas or just have some leftovers that you can’t get to, these can easily be kept in the freezer. Allow to cool to room temperature and place in a labeled airtight bag or container and store in the freezer for 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients & Ingredient Notes:

This pork require just a few basic ingredients and seasonings, many you probably already have on hand. The juniper berries are not required but they are the secret ingredient that gives this pork the signature Chipotle flavor.

• Boneless pork butt: I like this cut because it is budget friendly and gets super tender. You could also use pork shoulder.
• Olive oil: any kind of oil will work, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
• Beef stock: any stock works for this recipe. Use beef stock, chicken bone broth, beef bone broth, or vegetable broth. Water can be used if needed.
• Bay leaf: I always love to toss in a few dried bay leaves when I get the chance. They add some floral, herby flavor.
• Juniper berries: these are the secret ingredient for Chipotle carnitas, these dried berries add a slightly fruit flavor with notes of pine.
• Fresh thyme: I like a mix of fresh thyme and oregano, any herbs will work! Dried thyme can be used if needed.

How to make the Copycat Chipotle Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe (with step by step instructions):

Let’s talk a little about how to make this slow cooker pork (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Quick overview:

• Season and sear pork butt.
• Add pork to slow cooker with other ingredients.
• Once tender, shred, and place back in with the juices.
• Serve and enjoy.

1: Firstly, season pork butt evenly with salt and pepper.

2: Secondly, sear pork butt in olive oil over medium-high heat until all sides are browned.

3. Thirdly, gather fresh herbs and seasonings.

4. Fourthly, add seared pork butt, thyme, bay leaves, juniper berries, and beef stock to a crockpot. Cover and cook 5-6 hours on high or 9-10 hours on low.

5. Fifthly, once pork is cooked and tender, shred with a fork and return to the cooking liquid.

6. Lastly, warm corn or flour tortillas and gather any topping ideas (if serving as tacos). See variations below for serving idea.

7. Serve shredded meat warm and enjoy. Leftover pork will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

8. Finally, if you like crispy carnitas, spread pork out in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 5-8 minutes.

If you like this Copycat Chipotle Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe, you’ll love these other easy recipes…

Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Honey Soy Pork Bowls

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Pork Roast with Wine Recipe

Delicious Instant Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Tools I used for this slow cooker pork recipe:

• Crock pot – A classic, versatile kitchen appliance! This is a smaller crockpot, perfect for 1 or 2 people. I like this one because it’s neutral and compact!
• Le Creuset 5 1/2-Qt. Dutch Oven – my favorite Dutch oven for braising large cuts of meat, enamel cast iron is also a great conductor of even heat.
• Tongs – A must kitchen utensil for searing meat (or really anything in the kitchen!)
• USA Pan Half Sheet Pan – my go-to sheet pans, these are truly non-stick and clean up nicely. I like to use these to set my pork on after searing.

Variations and serving ideas:

This copycat chipotle carnitas recipe can be kept as simple as you liked, but it can also be dressed up with more flavors and textures. Try some of these serving ideas or add-ons to elevate your carnitas:

• Add avocado slices
• Mix into pastas or mac and cheese
• Serve as pork tacos loaded with all your favorites toppings
• Add to your grilled cheese or turn into a pulled pork sandwich
• Top your favorite homemade pizza
• Serve as a taco or burrito bowl bar
• Top with fresh salsa or Pico de Gallo

Recipe FAQs:

What should I serve my pork carnitas with?

This Copycat Chipotle Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe goes great with Torchy’s Green Chile Queso Dip Recipe, black beans or pinto beans, Perfect Steamed Rice (without a rice cooker), Mexican rice, side salads, or fajita veggies.

How can I freeze leftover pork carnitas?

Yes, if you make extra carnitas or just have some leftovers that you can’t get to, these can easily be kept in the freezer. Firstly, allow to cool to room temperature and place in a labeled airtight bag or container and store in the freezer for 2-3 minutes.

What cut of pork is best for the slow cooker?

I like a pork shoulder or pork butt the best for the crockpot, it is a large cut with enough fat to stay tender and juicy. Pork spare ribs, loin, tenderloins, and pork belly can all be cooked in the crock pot.

Do you put water in the crockpot with pork?

You need to add some type of liquid to the crockpot to keep the pork tender and juicy. Water doesn’t add any flavor, I prefer to add in extra flavor by using a rich bone broth or traditional beef broth. Bay leaves, peppercorns, juniper berries, and other seasonings can add easy flavor as well.

Can you overcook pork in the crockpot?

It’s pretty hard to over cook pork in the crockpot, the longer this cooks, the more tender it becomes. 6 hours would be the minimum amount of time I would cook this pork pot roast on low, 11-12 hours would be about the maximum time I would let this sit in the crockpot on low. Pork needs to hit an internal temperature of 155 degrees F.

Other copycat recipes like Copycat Cheesecake Factory Veggie Burger Recipe, Red Robin Copycat Chipotle Turkey Burger Recipe, Copycat Panera Mexican Style Street Corn Chowder, and Copycat Chili’s Chile Mango Chicken Recipe with Rice are some other delicious recipes to make at home!