Did you know that carnitas literally means “little meats?” I love that, and these little meats can go perfectly into things like tacos and other dishes. This Chicken Carnitas Bowl is just another way to use these “little meats.” Learn how to make them below!

Let me tell you that I love these chicken carnitas bowls! They are super easy to make (like SO easy!) and are great for meal prep. They are also easily customized with your favorite additions.

Double bonus – they are kid friendly! Make the chicken and let your kiddo choose what they want in their bowl. Mine love rice, beans and cheese!

What are Chicken Carnitas?

As stated above carnitas literally mean “little meats.” Carnitas are a Mexican cuisine that originated in Michoacan. They are typically made by braising or simmering pork in oil until tender. They are usually the Mexican version of pulled pork. However, with this recipe, we are using chicken instead of pork. Therefore, this recipe is the Mexican version of pulled chicken.

Chicken Carnitas Bowl Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 3-4 medium sized chicken breasts)
• A diced onion
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 
• 3 minced garlic cloves or 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 
• A can diced green chilies ( optional)
• Avocado oil or olive oil for sauteing
• Sides and topping for bowl such as prepared rice, black beans, salsa, diced tomatoes, cilantro and lime wedges.

Chicken – I prefer chicken breasts, but you can easily use thighs. I do recommend using boneless, skinless chicken here to make it easier to shred.

Spices – The spices used are some traditional Mexican spices and give this dish a great flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.

Chicken broth – You can sub vegetable broth or even beef broth here. If you don’t have either one hand, water will work.

Bowl toppings – I suggest adding rice, black beans, salsa, avocados and tomatoes. Feel free to add your own favorites to your bowl!

How to Make Chicken Carnitas

Making stove top chicken carnitas bowls are super easy to do. Follow the directions for making the meat and then the bowl.

• Heat oil in a dutch oven or stock pot over medium high heat. 
• Add the diced onion and saute for 2 minutes, stirring. 
• Then, add garlic and turn down heat to medium to prevent overcooking garlic, saute 3-5 minutes or until golden and tender. Add the remaining spices and season with salt and pepper. Saute for one more minute.
• Next, add the broth, lime juice, soy and vinegar. Add oregano and green chilies (if using). Stir well.

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• Place chicken on top of the mixture. 
• Bring pot to a simmer and cover. Continue to simmer on medium-low for 35-45 minutes depending on size of chicken breasts (or when chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F)
• Remove and shred the chicken meat with a fork and return to the pot. Mix well with the cooked down liquid onion mixture. (If mixture is still runny, simmer for a few additional minutes to thicken).

How to Make Chicken Carnitas Bowls

Once the chicken carnitas are done, it is time to make your bowls. What you put in your bowl is entirely up to you.

1. Serve chicken carnitas in a bowl with cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes.
2. Add toppings of your choice such as salsa, sour cream, diced green onions, shredded cheese, cilantro and lime wedges.
3. Serve and Enjoy!

How to make in the Instant Pot

Looking to make these chicken carnitas in the Instant Pot? It’s super simple and made all in your Instant Pot! You can follow the directions on how to make chicken burrito bowls here.

How to make in the Crock Pot

The great thing about this recipe is that you only need to cook the chicken and then assemble. To make the chicken in your slow cooker –

1. Place your chicken, onion, spices, lime and green chiles in your slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
3. Remove the chicken and shred it.
4. Place the chicken back in the sauce that was created and stir.
5. Assemble your carnitas bowl with your favorite additions.

Side Ideas

Although these chicken carnita bowls are a meal in themselves, you can always add:

• homemade guacamole
• homemade tortillas
• refried beans

How to Store Leftovers

The key to storing leftovers for this recipe is not to mix everything together. Instead, only make one bowl at a time for those that are eating. This way, you can store the leftover chicken carnitas in the refrigerator for longer without the other ingredients. Rice really isn’t very good reheated and you definitely don’t want to eat tomatoes after they have been cut and in the fridge after a day.

Store the chicken carnitas in a Tupperware bowl or ziplock bag and place in the fridge. You can store the chicken for 3-7 days in the fridge. If you have extra tomatoes, black beans, rice , tomatoes, and toppings, store each of them in their own separate containers.

How to Freeze Stove Top Carnitas

If you want to keep your chicken carnitas longer, you can always store leftovers in the freezer. Simply put the leftover chicken in a freezer bag. Place in the freezer where you can keep it for 6 to 8 months before using it.

Other Carnitas Recipe to Try

If you like your Mexican pulled chicken known as chicken carnitas, you will be happy to know you can make other recipes with these little meats. Here are some carnitas recipes you may enjoy:

• Crock Pot Pork Carnitas
• Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
• Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Bowl
• Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos
• Pulled Pork Carnitas Quesadillas
• Carnitas Soup

Don’t have time to make these delicious little meats in a bowl now? Pin this post to Pinterest so you can easily find it later!