Chicken Carnitas Tacos

Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor—Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas Tacos are here to elevate your taco night! Picture this: tender, shredded chicken infused with zesty spices, all nestled in soft flour tortillas. With all the goodness of traditional carnitas and the unbeatable convenience of your Instant Pot, you’ll wonder how you ever managed taco nights without this recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun casual gathering with friends, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser.

One of the best parts? You can enjoy the vibrant flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking; you’ll have delicious Chicken Carnitas Tacos ready in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive right in!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in the Instant Pot. First, it significantly reduces the cook time while keeping all those delightful flavors and textures that make traditional carnitas so loved. In just a fraction of the time, you can achieve tender chicken that is infused with spices and fresh juices. This instant infusion ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Not only that, but there’s also a broiling step at the end. This crucial touch will give your tacos that coveted crispy texture. So, while other recipes may take hours, you can enjoy the same deliciousness with significantly less effort and time. It’s a win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas Tacos

There’s something so wonderful about quick meals. With the Instant Pot, you can have your chicken ready and shredded in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.

Plus, these tacos are incredibly versatile! They aren’t just for tacos; you can use the chicken to make quesadillas or even pile it onto nachos for a fun twist. The freshness of homemade carnitas really shines through, allowing you to skip the long cooking times that usually come with traditional recipes.

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth (or beer)
• ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
• ¼ cup lime juice
• Low carb flour tortillas (for serving)
• Fresh chopped cilantro (for serving)

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Preparing the Chicken for Carnitas

Season and Sear the Chicken

First, let’s start with the chicken. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili powder. This spice blend is key; rub it all over the chicken to make sure each piece is perfectly seasoned.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

Now, it’s time to turn on your Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, toss in the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them until they are browned on both sides. Depending on your pot size, you might need to do this in batches. Once nicely browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cook Aromatics in the Instant Pot

Next, let’s add some flavor. Add the diced onions to the pot, adding more olive oil if necessary. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for just about 15 seconds. You want that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pot. This step is important to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom. Then, pour in the orange juice and lime juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Pressure Cook the Chicken

Time for some magic! Return the chicken to the pot and secure the lid. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes if using breasts, or 12 minutes for thighs. After cooking, allow for a Natural Pressure Release. This helps the chicken stay juicy and flavorful.

Shred the Chicken

Once the pressure is fully released, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. It should shred easily with two forks; go ahead and shred it up!

Broil for Texture

Let’s add that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to BROIL. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it. Spread the shredded chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with about ¼ cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Broil for 5 minutes, stir, and then continue broiling for another 5 minutes until the chicken is nice and crispy.

Now, it’s starting to look and smell amazing!

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve, take those crispy chicken pieces and place them inside warm low carb flour tortillas. Top with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of green goodness.

Serve with lime wedges on the side and maybe a little salsa for those who enjoy a little extra kick. You’ll have a taco extravaganza that everyone will love!

Tips for Success

To really bring out the flavor, make sure the chicken is well-seasoned. If you enjoy a smokier taste, you might want to consider adding chipotle chili powder to the spice mix. It can really take the tacos to another level.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You could substitute the chicken with pork for an authentic carnitas flavor. Or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix if you like a bit of heat!

Storage Tips

Any leftovers? No problem! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can easily reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop—not only saving time but also keeping your meal delicious.

Pairing Ideas

To round out your meal, consider pairing your tacos with a refreshing corn salad or a side of black beans. And if you’re in the mood for a beverage, a chilled margarita or a light Mexican beer fits perfectly with these tasty tacos.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! If you use corn tortillas instead of flour, it becomes gluten-free.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead, store it in the fridge, and then reheat when you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I do with leftovers?
   Leftovers are versatile! Use them in quesadillas, salads, or a delicious enchilada.

5. How spicy are these tacos?
   Adjust the chili powder based on your preference for spice, allowing you to customize the heat!

Simple to prepare, yet utterly delicious, Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas Tacos bring vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch to your table. In no time at all, you’ll impress your loved ones while enjoying a delightful meal without the hours of traditional cooking. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, indulge in this delectable dish that showcases the joys of quick cooking without sacrificing flavor.

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