CARNITAS NACHOS

One year, my husband and I brought a crazy amount to turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving home with us. Looking for a fun way to mix up the familiar flavor, I decided to "fry" them in oil and my favorite fajita seasonings. What transpired were these turkey carnitas! You can use chicken instead of turkey and enjoy them in whatever Mexican dish you enjoy most!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken, dinner, leftovers, mexican, thanksgiving, turkey

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 494kcal

Author Luci Petlack

Ingredients

turkey carnitas

2 cups shredded leftover turkey or chicken preferably a mix of white and dark meat
5 tablespoons olive oil divided
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon ground garlic not garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder

nachos

chips
1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, pepper jack, or mix
1 recipe fajita veggies
sour cream
avocado
cilantro
green onions
hot sauce

Instructions

Turkey Carnitas

In a medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Make sure oil is hot before adding turkey. Test by adding one piece of meat. Oil is ready when meat sizzles with little bubbles around the outside. Add turkey. Top with seasonings. Stir to coat.
When much of the oil seems to be absorbed, add remaining 2 tablespoons.
Cook turkey until turkey is crisping and most of the oil is absorbed (15-20 minutes).

Carnitas Nachos

Spread chips on four plates. Divide shredded cheese between plates. Microwave each plate for 30 seconds to melt cheese. Top with fajita veggies, carnitas, and desired toppings!

Notes

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