Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas (Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas)
These Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like pork roast, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, this easy crockpot carnitas recipe tastes just like your favorite Chipotle order and is perfect for burritos, bowls, tacos, and meal prep.
This is one of those recipes that completely changed how often we order takeout.
Chipotle has always been one of those easy dinner options around here because everyone can make their bowl exactly how they like it, but after making these carnitas at home, it honestly became hard to justify paying restaurant prices for it.
The first time I made this recipe, I was mostly hoping it would be “close enough” to the real thing.
I wasn’t expecting my kitchen to smell exactly like walking into Chipotle.
But somehow, with just a handful of simple ingredients, it really gets that same flavor. The rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and slow cooked pork all come together into something that tastes surprisingly authentic.
And the best part? It takes almost no effort.
This is one of my favorite kinds of slow cooker recipes because there’s barely any prep involved. You just put everything into the crockpot and let it cook low and slow until the pork is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.
Then comes my favorite part, shredding it up.
I always end up sneaking a few bites straight from the slow cooker while shredding it because it smells so good by that point.
And if you broil it afterward for a few minutes? Even better. Those crispy little edges taste just like restaurant carnitas.
This recipe is also amazing for meal prep because it makes a big batch and can be used so many different ways throughout the week. Burrito bowls one night, tacos the next, maybe loaded nachos after that.
I made this one Sunday afternoon thinking we’d have leftovers for days, but between tacos and bowls, it disappeared a lot faster than I expected.
That’s usually how I know a recipe is staying in the rotation.
What Are Carnitas?
Carnitas are a traditional Mexican pork dish made by slow cooking pork until it becomes tender enough to shred.
The word “carnitas” actually means “little meats,” and the pork is typically cooked low and slow with seasonings until juicy and flavorful. Traditional carnitas are often crisped up before serving, giving them those delicious crispy edges everyone loves.
This version is inspired by the carnitas served at Chipotle and recreates those savory flavors in an easy slow cooker recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- Tastes like Chipotle carnitas
- Great for meal prep
- Minimal ingredients
- Family friendly
- Perfect for tacos, bowls, and burritos
- Budget-friendly restaurant copycat recipe
When To Serve This Recipe
These carnitas are perfect for:
- Taco night
- Meal prep
- Burrito bowls
- Family dinners
- Game day spreads
- Parties and gatherings
Ingredients
3–4 pound boneless pork roast
The star of the recipe. Pork shoulder or pork butt works best because it becomes tender and shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
2 cups chicken stock
Keeps the pork moist while adding flavor during cooking.
2 teaspoons salt
Helps season the pork throughout.
2 teaspoons black pepper
Adds warmth and balances the richness.
3 bay leaves
Adds depth and authentic flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
One of the key flavors that makes these taste like Chipotle carnitas.
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
Adds earthy flavor and aroma that pairs perfectly with pork.
Optional cilantro for garnish
Adds freshness before serving.
How To Make Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas
- Place the pork roast into the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken stock around the pork.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the pork.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard excess fat.
- Shred the pork using two forks.
- Optional: Spread shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until the edges crisp slightly.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve in bowls, tacos, burritos, or salads.
Substitutions
Pork roast → pork shoulder or pork butt
Chicken stock → beef broth or vegetable broth
Rosemary → juniper berries (traditional option)
Fresh rosemary → dried rosemary
Variations
Crispy Carnitas
Broil the shredded pork before serving for crispy edges.
Spicy Carnitas
Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
Citrus Carnitas
Add orange juice and lime juice for brightness.
Garlic Carnitas
Add several cloves of minced garlic before slow cooking.
Tips & Tricks
Use a well-marbled pork roast for the most tender carnitas.
Don’t skip the herbs, they create that signature flavor.
Broiling the shredded pork gives the best texture.
Save some cooking liquid to spoon over leftovers so they stay juicy.
FAQs
What cut of pork is best for carnitas?
Pork shoulder or pork butt is best because it has enough fat to stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Leaner cuts can dry out more easily and won’t shred as nicely.
Can I make carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. The pork reheats beautifully and can be used throughout the week for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, nachos, and sandwiches.
Why do Chipotle carnitas taste so flavorful?
Chipotle carnitas get their flavor from simple but aromatic ingredients like bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary combined with slow cooked pork. This recipe recreates that same savory herb flavor at home.
Do I have to broil the pork afterward?
No, but it really takes the texture to the next level. Broiling creates those crispy edges that make carnitas so good and gives them that restaurant-style finish.
Can I freeze carnitas?
Absolutely. Store cooled carnitas in freezer-safe containers with a little cooking liquid to keep them moist. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Serve these carnitas with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Burrito bowls
- Tacos
- Nachos
- Quesadillas
- Corn salsa
- Guacamole
Storage + Make Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Keep some cooking liquid with the pork when storing to help it stay moist when reheating.
Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas (Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas)
Save money and time and make these Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas right at home in your slow cooker! Just a few ingredients and you have a slow cooker full of tender carnitas perfect for making burritos or bowls with! Tender pork seasoned with thyme, bay and rosemary recreate that Chipotle taste. Great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound boneless pork roast
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Into your slow cooker add the pork and chicken stock.
- Place all the spice on top of the pork.
- Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours.
- Once tender and falling apart, discard any fat and shred the pork.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can sear your pork before slow cooking if you like.
- You can also broil the pork after shredding for a crispy texture.
- You can use juniper berries instead of rosemary if you can find them, if not the rosemary works!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 36Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 846mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information provided on this website is an estimate only and is offered as a courtesy and can be incorrect. These calculations are generated automatically using an online nutrition calculator, so results may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, substitutions, and portion sizes used.I am not a nutritionist or registered dietitian, and this information should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for dietary or nutritional guidance specific to your needs.
If you are craving easy slow cooker Mexican-inspired dinners with tons of flavor, these recipes are perfect for taco nights, burrito bowls and busy weeknights when you want takeout-style food at home!
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- Taco Spaghetti Skillet – A fun Tex-Mex dinner mashup with taco flavors, cheesy pasta and an easy skillet dinner vibe the whole family will love.
- Slow Cooker Mexican Sloppy Joes – These easy sloppy joes are packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavor and make a fun twist on taco night for busy weeknights.
These Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Carnitas are one of those recipes that feels almost too easy for how good they turn out.
They’re flavorful, versatile, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something that feels homemade and satisfying.
And once you realize how easy it is to recreate that Chipotle flavor at home, you’ll probably start making these on repeat too.
