Easy Carnitas Tacos with Chicken
All the bright, tangy Carnitas flavour you love – ready fast with poached, shredded chicken and our three-step Taco Recipe Kit. The spice blend wakes up the aromatics, the base sauce adds signature citrusy lift, and the finishing sauce brings savoury depth.
Simple, speedy, delicious.
This lighter take on Mexico’s beloved Carnitas gives you tender, juicy chicken with mild chilli and zesty citrus, perfect for spooning into warm tortillas and topping however you like. Fresh, balanced and ready in minutes.
Flavour Notes: Orange and lime for fresh tang; ancho chilli for gentle warmth.
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Prep time
2 MIN
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Cook time
15 MIN
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Total time
17 minutes
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Ideal for
Dinner -
Make it
Mexican -
Serves
2 - 3
Found in the
Mexican Section
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pack of our Carnitas Recipe Kit
- 400g of chicken thighs or breast (poached and shredded)
- 1 pack of our Corn Tortillas or Soft Taco Wraps
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 bunch of coriander, finely chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
How to make it
- Poach the chicken– Place the chicken in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Shred and season – Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then transfer to an ovenproof dish. Add the Carnitas spice blend, base sauce and finishing sauce, and mix to coat.
- Bake – Bake the seasoned chicken in the over at 180 C for 15 minutes until hot and slightly caramelised at the edges.
- Serve – Warm your Soft Taco Wraps or Corn Tortillas. Fill with the chicken and top with onion, coriander and fresh lime. Serve immediately.
Similar Recipes You Might Like to Try
Easy Halloumi Carnitas Tacos
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best?
Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts (many cooks prefer thighs because they stay juicier).
What is “carnitas‐style” chicken?
It means chicken cooked (often braised or baked) with citrus (orange/lime), aromatic spices (cumin, oregano, garlic) then shredded and often finished to get crispy little edges — mimicking the texture/flavour of classic pork carnitas
What are good serving ideas?
Tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, topping for salads. Add warm tortillas, chopped onion, cilantro, lime, salsa. The carnitas-style chicken is very versatile.
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