If you’ve ever craved the juicy, tender, and irresistibly flavorful meat found in your favorite Mexican restaurant, then you are going to love this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe. Taking all the guesswork out of making authentic carnitas, this dish transforms a humble pork shoulder into a mouthwatering meal that effortlessly falls apart and crisps up just right. The magic happens slowly in the crockpot, where spices, citrus, and aromatics work together to create a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Get ready to impress your family or friends with a dish that feels special but is so simple to prepare.

A white plate filled with a large pile of shredded, crispy cooked meat that is golden brown with darker toasted edges, giving it a crunchy texture. On the left side of the plate, there are two bright green lime wedges and a few fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around the meat. A shiny silver fork rests at the bottom edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurry bottle and a small white dish in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a vital role that builds layers of flavor and texture. You’ll find that the simple mix of spices and citrus will brighten the richness of the pork, while fresh aromatics add depth and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps to lightly sear and add a subtle richness to the meat’s surface.
1 Tbsp dried oregano: Offers an earthy, herbal note that complements the pork beautifully.
1 Tbsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tenderizing the meat.
2 tsp cumin: Adds warmth with its nutty, slightly peppery taste that’s classic in Mexican cooking.
1 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of heat and complexity.
4-5 lb. pork shoulder (pork butt), skinless & bone-in: The star of the dish, prized for its marbling and ability to become irresistibly tender.
1 medium white onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and moisture during cooking.
1 jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced: Adds a subtle, fresh heat without overpowering the meat.
5 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with pungent, savory richness.
2 large oranges, juice (or sub with ¾ cup orange juice): The citrusy acidity breaks down the meat fibers and gives carnitas its signature tangy brightness.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the pork

Start by rinsing your pork shoulder and drying it thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the spice rub adhere better and ensures even flavor distribution. Mix together the spices—oregano, salt, cumin, and black pepper—and generously rub this aromatic blend all over the pork, making sure to cover every side including the fat cap. This step sets the foundation for the incredible depth of flavor you’ll enjoy later.

Step 2: Cook low and slow

Place the seasoned pork into your crockpot with the fat cap facing up—this keeps the moisture locked in as it cooks. Pour fresh orange juice over the pork, then layer the sliced onions, diced jalapeño, and minced garlic on top. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours. The long, gentle heat allows the connective tissue to melt away, producing meat that’s tender enough to shred effortlessly.

Step 3: Shred the pork

Once the pork is perfectly cooked and falling off the bone, transfer it to a tray or baking dish. Use two large forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, removing any large chunks of fat you don’t want to serve. Don’t toss out the flavorful cooking juices just yet; pour them into a fat separator to remove excess grease and keep them handy. You may want to add a splash back to the shredded pork later to keep it wonderfully moist.

Step 4: Crisp it up or serve as is

Here’s where you can either enjoy the carnitas straight from the crockpot, beautifully tender and juicy, or go the extra mile for crispy perfection. To crisp the edges, preheat your oven broiler to high. Spread the shredded pork evenly on a large baking pan and drizzle a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the top. Broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the meat develops that delightful, crunchy texture and edges that will have you craving more.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe

Three soft yellow corn tortillas are arranged inside a white tray on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla is filled with shredded, crispy browned meat layers that have a slightly crunchy texture and golden edges. Scattered over the meat are small white onion pieces and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding color contrast. There are fresh lime wedges placed near the tray, hinting at a citrus garnish. The photo is taken close up, showing the detailed texture of the meat and tortillas with warm, natural lighting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates the carnitas to a new level. Think bright, fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of juicy lime, thinly sliced red onions soaked in a bit of vinegar, or even some crumbled cotija cheese for salty contrast. Each component adds a splash of color and bursts of flavor that cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Side Dishes

Carnitas are wonderful served with warm corn or flour tortillas, of course, but don’t stop there! Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice pairs beautifully, alongside refried beans or black beans for a hearty meal. For something lighter, a crisp cabbage slaw or a fresh tomato salsa adds crunch and refreshing acidity to round out your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond classic tacos, you can use your Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe in burrito bowls with rice, beans, and veggies, or pile the meat on tostadas for a crunchy treat. Carnitas also make amazing fillings for quesadillas, loaded nachos, or even a hearty sandwich with pickled vegetables and spicy mayo for a delicious twist on lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store the carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the reserved cooking juices separate to pour over the meat when reheating, which helps retain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, frozen carnitas are a lifesaver. Pack the shredded meat in freezer-safe containers or bags, ideally with some of the reserved cooking liquid to prevent drying out. Frozen carnitas will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat carnitas is gently in a skillet on medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved juices to keep the meat juicy. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, but be careful not to overcook or dry out the meat. Re-crisping in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes post-reheating brings back that wonderful texture that makes carnitas so crave-worthy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Pork shoulder is preferred because it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become tender and juicy after slow cooking. Pork loin is leaner and can dry out, so it’s not ideal for this recipe.

Do I need to sear the pork before putting it in the crockpot?

Searing is optional for this recipe since the crockpot will slowly cook the meat, but a quick sear can add extra depth of flavor. Many people find the carnitas just as delicious when you go straight to slow cooking.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

Yes! Fresh orange juice is ideal for its brightness, but ¾ cup of good quality orange juice works perfectly well in a pinch.

How spicy is the dish with the jalapeño included?

The jalapeño adds just a mild warmth that complements the other flavors without overpowering the dish. You can adjust by using less or skipping it if you prefer a milder carnitas.

Why do you broil the carnitas at the end?

Broiling gives the carnitas those delicious crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the tender meat inside. It’s optional but highly recommended for that authentic texture and flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe enough—it’s the perfect balance of simple prep and spectacular results. Whether you’re hosting a Mexican night or just craving a comforting, flavorful dish, these carnitas deliver every time. Give it a try; once you taste that tender, juicy pork with crisped edges and bright citrus notes, I bet it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!

Easy Crockpot Carnitas Recipe