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Tender Whole30 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Carnitas Recipe with Easy Chipotle Orange Sauce

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A tender and flavorful Whole30-compliant slow cooker pulled pork carnitas recipe topped with a smoky, sweet, and tangy chipotle orange sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water for Whole30 compliance)
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for heat preference)
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, skip for stricter Whole30)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
  • Pinch of sea salt (for sauce)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, chopped; lime wedges; sliced avocado; Whole30-approved tortillas or lettuce wraps

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix together cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing it in to coat evenly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is optional but recommended for added flavor.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the pork (not over the spice rub to avoid washing it away). Cover with the lid.
  4. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours if short on time.
  5. While the pork cooks, combine minced chipotle peppers, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until well blended.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  7. Pour most of the chipotle orange sauce over the shredded pork, reserving a little for serving. Toss well to coat the pork evenly.
  8. Optional: Spread the sauced pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until edges get crispy for a caramelized finish.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with Whole30 tortillas or lettuce wraps.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor but can be skipped to save time. For crispier edges, broil the sauced pork for 3-5 minutes. Rotate pork halfway through cooking if your slow cooker heats unevenly. Save leftover sauce for drizzling or marinating. Reheat gently to keep pork moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30, slow cooker, pulled pork, carnitas, chipotle orange sauce, healthy, paleo, gluten-free, easy dinner

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/tender-whole30-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-carnitas-recipe-with-easy-chipotle-orange-sauce/