If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky spice, sweet tang, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that somehow manages to be effortless to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it the ultimate weeknight hero or weekend showstopper. Slow cooking infuses the pork with the boldness of chipotle peppers and the bright sweetness of pineapple, creating a harmony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned carnitas fan or a newcomer, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to build incredible depth of flavor. Each element plays an important role, from the tender pork shoulder to the vibrant spices and tangy pineapple that bring brightness and complexity to the dish.
- 3 lbs pork roast (bone-in picnic or pork shoulder): The star of the show; slow cooking breaks it down into perfect carnitas.
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to keep the pork juicy.
- 2-3 adobo peppers in chipotle sauce, diced: Infuses smoky heat to balance the pineapple’s sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons oregano: Provides herbal warmth and earthiness.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Brings a subtle smoky, nutty undertone.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle spicy kick without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A surprising touch that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon liquid smoke: For an extra layer of smoky richness if you want more punch.
- ~18 corn tortillas: Perfect vehicles for serving carnitas street taco style.
- Queso fresco: Crumbled on top for creamy, mild contrast.
- 1 red onion, diced: Adds crunch and sharpness.
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped: Fresh and vibrant garnish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Chipotle Sauce
Start by mixing the crushed pineapple, diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, cinnamon, and optional liquid smoke in a large bowl. This flavorful blend creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that will soak deep into the pork during cooking.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place your pork roast right into the slow cooker and pour the pineapple and spice mixture evenly over the top. Make sure the roast is well coated to ensure every bite is infused with all those delicious seasonings. Once covered, you’re almost ready to relax and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6 to 7 hours. This slow and low method allows the pork to become incredibly tender, breaking down the connective tissue and absorbing all the vibrant flavors from the sauce. After this, you’ll have a juicy and flavorful carnitas base that’s ready for shredding and serving.
Step 4: Shred and Rest the Pork
When your Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe is almost done, shred the pork roast directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the shredded meat gently to soak up the remaining juices, then let it rest for a few minutes to absorb more flavor and moisture before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Top your carnitas with a generous sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco to add creamy, mild saltiness. Fresh diced red onions bring a satisfying crunch and pop of sharpness, while chopped cilantro injects that fresh herbal note that perfectly lifts the dish. These garnishes are simple but essential for that authentic taco experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your carnitas with warm corn tortillas for the classic street taco feeling. On the side, consider tangy pickled jalapeños, lime wedges for an extra zesty twist, and maybe a colorful Mexican street corn salad or a light cabbage slaw. These sides provide complementary textures and flavors that make the meal more balanced and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond tacos, this Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe is incredibly versatile. Use the carnitas as a filling for burritos, nachos, or even stuffed peppers. For a low-carb option, serve it over a bed of cilantro-lime cauliflower rice or mixed greens. You can also turn leftovers into carnitas bowls layered with black beans, avocado, and fresh salsa for a vibrant meal anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your carnitas feast, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pork will remain moist and flavorful for up to four days, making for delicious next-day meals or quick reheats.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded carnitas into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months without losing quality, perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner solutions.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carnitas in a saute pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until steaming hot. Reheat just until warmed through to avoid drying out that tender pork.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or picnic roast is ideal for their fat content and tenderness, you can also use pork butt or even a pork loin if you’re careful not to overcook it. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may not shred as easily or stay as juicy.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Yes! To increase heat, add extra chipotle peppers or include some diced fresh jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the number of chipotle peppers and omit chili powder, relying instead on the natural sweetness of the pineapple to shine.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can adapt it for the oven using a covered Dutch oven set at a low temperature around 275°F for 3-4 hours, turning occasionally. However, the slow cooker’s low-and-slow environment yields the best tender carnitas every time.
What can I substitute if I don’t have queso fresco?
If queso fresco is unavailable, try crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor that complements the carnitas perfectly.
Can this recipe be made ahead for a party?
Definitely. Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe is perfect for entertaining since you can prepare it the day before and reheat gently. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had more time to meld overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. It’s approachable, delicious, and endlessly versatile—a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Slow Cooker Chipotle Pineapple Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork with a sweet and smoky twist. Using a combination of chipotle peppers, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection, making it an effortless and delicious meal perfect for tacos or as a main dish. The pork is juicy and flavorful, complemented beautifully by fresh toppings like queso fresco, red onion, and cilantro, ideal for a casual street-taco style dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork roast (bone-in picnic roast or pork shoulder)
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- 2–3 adobo peppers in chipotle sauce, diced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon liquid smoke
For Serving
- ~18 corn tortillas
- Queso fresco (usually comes in a 10oz round)
- 1 red onion, diced
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple, diced chipotle peppers, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, cinnamon, and if using, liquid smoke until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful sauce.
- Arrange pork in slow cooker: Place the pork roast into the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple and spice mixture evenly over the top of the roast, making sure it is well covered. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Slow cook the pork: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the pork for 6 to 7 hours. The long slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and infuse it with the spices and pineapple flavors.
- Shred the carnitas: Just before serving, remove the pork roast and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the juices in the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes to absorb additional flavor and moisture.
- Serve street taco style: Warm the corn tortillas and assemble tacos by filling them with the shredded carnitas. Top with crumbled queso fresco, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro for an authentic and delicious finish.
Notes
- Using a bone-in pork shoulder or picnic roast yields the most flavorful and tender carnitas.
- Adjust the quantity of chipotle peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you do not have liquid smoke, you can omit it; the chipotle peppers provide plenty of smokiness.
- For crispy carnitas, after shredding, pan-fry the meat briefly in a hot skillet before serving.
- Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
