Recipes Ideas

Green Chile Pork Carnitas Recipe

Written by

admin

in

,

(Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas with Hatch Green Chile)

These Green Chile Pork Carnitas combine tender, crispy Mexican-style pulled pork with smoky roasted Hatch green chiles. The pork is slow cooked with garlic, onions, citrus, and spices until it melts apart, then crisped for the perfect taco filling!

Ingredients

For the Pork Carnitas:

  • 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into large chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 bay leaves

Carnitas Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving:

  • Corn tortillas
  • Flour tortillas
  • Diced white onion
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa verde
  • Queso fresco
  • Avocado
  • Pickled onions
  • Sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork

  • Pat pork dry.
  • Coat with oil.
  • Season generously with:
    • Salt
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Smoked paprika
    • Oregano
    • Black pepper
    • Garlic powder
    • Cinnamon (optional)

Let rest for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Pork

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear pork pieces until golden brown on all sides.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add to the pot:

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Cook for 2–3 minutes.

Add:

  • Hatch green chiles
  • Chicken broth
  • Orange juice
  • Lime juice
  • Bay leaves

Return pork to the pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Oven Method:

Cover and cook at:

300°F (150°C) for 3½–4 hours

Slow Cooker:

Cook on:

LOW for 8–10 hours

Instant Pot:

Cook:

60 minutes on high pressure

The pork should shred easily.

Step 5: Shred & Crisp the Carnitas

  • Remove pork and shred with forks.
  • Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
  • Spoon some cooking juices over the meat.

Broil for:

3–5 minutes

until crispy edges form.

Step 6: Serve

Fill warm tortillas with:

🐷 Green chile carnitas
🌿 Cilantro
🧅 Onion
🍋 Lime juice
🌶️ Salsa verde

Enjoy!

Extra Tips & Secrets 🌶️✨

✅ Use pork shoulder — the fat creates juicy, tender carnitas.

✅ Crisp after shredding — this creates the classic carnitas texture.

✅ Save the cooking liquid — drizzle it over leftovers for extra flavor.

✅ Roasted Hatch chiles make the difference — they add smoky Southwest flavor.

Delicious Variations

🌶️ Extra Spicy Green Chile Carnitas

Add:

  • Hot Hatch green chiles
  • Serrano peppers
  • Chipotle peppers

🧀 Green Chile Carnitas Quesadillas

Add:

  • Oaxaca cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese

🌯 Green Chile Carnitas Burritos

Fill with:

  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Cheese
  • Carnitas
  • Green chile sauce

🥔 Carnitas Breakfast Hash

Add:

  • Potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Green chiles

🥗 Carnitas Bowls

Serve over:

  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Beans
  • Lettuce
  • Avocado

Serving Ideas

Perfect for:

🌮 Tacos
🌯 Burritos
🥪 Tortas
🧀 Quesadillas
🍚 Rice bowls
🥗 Salads

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator:
Store for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked carnitas for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Crisp in a skillet with a little oil for the best texture.

Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️

Option 1:

“Made these Green Chile Pork Carnitas and they were incredible! 🌶️🐷 Slow-cooked pork with roasted Hatch green chiles, citrus, and spices creates the perfect tender and crispy taco filling.
Full recipe is in the comments below!”

Option 2:

“Taco night just got better! 😍🌮 These Green Chile Pork Carnitas are packed with smoky chile flavor, juicy pork, and crispy edges everyone loves. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls!
Save this recipe ❤️”

Option 3:

“Nothing beats homemade carnitas! 🔥🐷 Tender pork, roasted green chiles, fresh lime, and bold Mexican flavors come together for the ultimate comfort meal.
Who would try these? 👇
Recipe in the comments!”

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving (if divided into 10 servings):

  • Calories: 400–550 kcal
  • Protein: 35–45 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5–10 g
  • Fat: 25–35 g
  • Fiber: 2–4 g

Entire Recipe:

  • Calories: approximately 4,000–5,500 kcal
  • Protein: approximately 350–450 g

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What are carnitas?
A: Carnitas means “little meats” in Spanish and refers to Mexican-style slow-cooked pork that becomes tender and flavorful.

Q: Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
A: You can, but pork shoulder gives the juiciest and most traditional results.

Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes! Use mild Hatch green chiles and remove spicy peppers.

Q: How do I make carnitas crispy?
A: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil until the edges become golden and crispy.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Carnitas taste even better the next day.

Q: What cheese goes best with green chile carnitas?
A: Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack are excellent choices.

🌶️🐷 Green Chile Pork Carnitas are the perfect combination of tender slow-cooked pork, smoky Hatch green chiles, and crispy edges — a flavorful Mexican classic that makes unforgettable tacos! ❤️

More posts