Copycat Chipotle Style Carnitas Recipe (2024)

This copycat chipotle carnitas recipe is easily made at home in a crock-pot or a dutch oven. Make this pulled pork roast at the start of the week and you have so many easy dinner options throughout the week.

Is this recipe from Chipotle?

This is my interpretation of a copy cat recipe because no matter how hard I try, I can not make carnitas as well as the good folks at Chipotle. I think it is pretty close... Close enough for me to curb that craving until I can get across town and have an official carnitas chipotle bowl.

All you pork lovers need to check out my sous vide pork chop recipe!

Copycat Chipotle Carnitas Ingredients:

• boneless, skinless pork shoulder
• Kosher salt
• ground pepper
• vegetable oil
• garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• thyme sprigs
• bay leaves, fresh or dry
• water

What cut of pork is carnitas?

The best kind of meat to use for carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt. This cut of meat is also known as a Boston butt. There is bone-in and boneless versions of pork butt. I am a fan of bone-in. It is a little cheaper than a boneless pork butt but, I feel like the bone adds to the flavor of the end result.

How to Make Chipotle Copycat Carnitas at Home:

1. Preheat oven
2. Season pork shoulder all over with salt and pepper.
3. Sear pork.
4. Add 3 cups water to the pot, and seasonings.
5. Cover and cook.
6. See the recipe card below for the cooking time and more detailed instructions in this chipotle copycat recipe.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe:

How to shred the meat:

1. Remove the dutch oven from oven.
2. Remove pork and place on a cutting board.
3. Using two forks, shred pork into bite-size pieces
4. Return the pork to the pot and mix the shredded meat with all that wonderful liquid that it has been taking a bath in for the past few hours.
5. Season pork with salt and pepper if needed.

How do you serve carnitas meat?

My favorite way to serve this easy copycat carnitas is in a taco with rice, beans, a fresh salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream and cilantro. But another delicious option is to use it in burritos, enchiladas, taco bowl or as part of any dish that calls for pulled pork.

What goes with pork carnitas in this copycat chipotle carnitas recipe?

Here are some classic sides and ingredients that pair well with delicious chipotle pork carnitas:

• Tortillas - Soft corn or flour tortillas are essential for making tacos and burritos with carnitas. Warm tortillas wrapped around the savory shredded pork is a perfect combination.
• Beans - Black or pinto beans add protein and complement the flavor of carnitas. Refried beans are a popular choice.
• Rice - Spanish rice, cilantro lime rice, or Mexican rice are rice varieties that go great with carnitas. The rice balances out the richness of the pork.
• Salsas - Tomatillo or chili salsa verde, pico de gallo, and roasted chili-tomato salsa add freshness, spice, and extra flavor to carnitas.
• Guacamole - The cool, creamy avocado dip offsets the salty and savory flavors nicely.
• Cheese - Queso fresco, cotija, shredded Monterey jack, or Mexican blend cheeses add even more richness.
• Lime wedges - Fresh lime juice brightens up the pork and cuts through the richness.
• Salad - Crispy lettuce, cabbage slaw, or roasted corn salsa make a tasty, fresh topping.
• Onions & cilantro - Red onion, white onion, and fresh cilantro add flavor and crunch.
• Jalapeños - If you like spice, sliced or pickled jalapeños complement carnitas well.
• Chipotle corn salsa recipe
• Salsa Verde
• Black Bean Salsa

How does Chipotle make their carnitas?

It's a slow braising technique that makes the pork incredibly flavorful and fork-tender. The spice rub, citrus braising liquid, and finishing with lime juice are keys to Chipotle's signature taste. Their process allows them to produce large batches efficiently while keeping it tasty.

📖 Recipe

original publish date: Apr 29, 2016

👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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