Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is an easy, flavorful dish that delivers juicy, tender, fall-apart pork with minimal effort. Cooked low and slow in a tangy BBQ sauce, this pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with classic Southern sides. Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Tender & Juicy – Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth pork.
- Versatile – Great for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or as a main dish.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with big flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Freezes well and makes delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork shoulder (or pork butt, 3-4 lbs)
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Prepare the Pork – Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Seasoning Mix – In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker – Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Cook Low & Slow – Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Pork – Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Mix with BBQ Sauce – Stir in BBQ sauce and let the shredded pork soak up the juices for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve on buns, tacos, or over rice with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 10 hours
Variations
- Spicy Pulled Pork – Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Sweet & Tangy – Stir in honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
- Smoky BBQ – Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
- Carolina-Style – Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce instead of a thick, sweet sauce.
- Instant Pot Version – Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then do a natural release.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, but pork shoulder has more fat and is more tender. If using pork loin, add extra liquid to prevent drying out.
Do I need to sear the pork before slow cooking?
No, but searing can add extra depth of flavor.
Can I make this without BBQ sauce?
Yes! Cook the pork with broth and seasonings, then add sauce after shredding.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Sweet and smoky sauces work best, but use your favorite. Try homemade or store-bought.
How do I make the pork extra juicy?
Let the shredded pork sit in the slow cooker juices for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Pulled pork tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What can I serve with pulled pork?
Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, or potato salad.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Set it on low for 8-10 hours, and it’ll be ready in the morning.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, but low and slow produces the most tender meat.
What’s the best way to shred pork?
Use two forks, meat claws, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for fast shredding.
Conclusion
Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender texture and smoky-sweet BBQ taste, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or bowls for a delicious, stress-free meal. Try it today and enjoy the best homemade pulled pork with minimal effort!
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet BBQ flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for sandwiches, tacos, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the pork – Pat the pork dry and rub with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Slow cook – Place the pork in the slow cooker. Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the pork – Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard excess fat.
- Mix with BBQ sauce – Stir in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, then return to the slow cooker to soak up the juices for another 15-20 minutes on low.
- Serve & enjoy – Serve on toasted buns, in tacos, or over rice with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Notes
- Best Cut for Pulled Pork: Pork shoulder (pork butt) has the perfect fat content for tender, juicy meat.
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
- Crispy Option: Broil shredded pork on a baking sheet for 5 minutes for crispy edges.