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Turkey Carnitas

  • Thigh
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Snack
  • 1 hour+

The translation of carnitas is “little meats” and this slow cooker favourite creates little pieces of tender flavourful turkey that are perfect for tucking into tortillas. The refreshing bite of mango and cilantro add to the heartiness of the turkey filling.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

4 hours on high or 8 hours on low

Yield

12 to 16

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Ontario turkey thighs (about 2 1/2 lb/1.25 kg)
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) ancho chili powder
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) each ground cumin and oregano
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) each dried thyme leaves and smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 poblano pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) barbecue sauce
  • 12 to 16 small corn tortillas, about 1 pkg (336g)
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Remove skin from turkey thighs and discard.
  • In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika and salt. Rub all over turkey thighs.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the oil over medium-high heat and brown thighs in batches (if necessary) on both sides. Place in slow cooker. Reduce heat in skillet to medium heat and add remaining oil. Cook, garlic, poblano and onion for about 5 minutes or until softened. Scrape into slow cooker.
  • Whisk together orange juice and barbecue sauce and pour over top. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  • Using two forks, shred meat, and discard bones. Stir meat into sauce.
  • Divide turkey among tortillas and top with mango and cilantro to serve.
  • Turkey Breast Variation:
  • Omit turkey thighs and substitute 2 boneless skinless turkey breasts. You can also use bone-in turkey breasts, simply remove the skin. Because the bones are smaller, you should remove the breasts from the slow cooker to shred the meat and remove the bones.

Need More Help?

Learn everything you need to know about selecting, preparing, and cooking whole turkeys.

Classic Roasted Whole Turkey

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