This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe is perfect for busy days and lazy weekends. It is easy, juicy, and full of flavor. You only need simple ingredients and time. The slow cooker does all the hard work. This recipe creates soft pork that falls apart easily.
It tastes smoky, sweet, and rich. Many families love it for dinners and parties. This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe works for sandwiches, tacos, and bowls. In this guide, you will learn how to make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork step by step using basic tools and easy tips.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is slow cooking and seasoning. Pork needs time to become tender. Cooking it slowly breaks down tough fibers. This makes the meat juicy and soft. A good spice rub adds deep flavor early.
BBQ sauce added later keeps the pork moist. Using a little vinegar balances sweetness. Onion and garlic build a strong base flavor. Resting and shredding properly helps soak sauce into meat. These small steps turn simple pork into something amazing.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Forks for shredding
Ingredients You Need for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- 1.8 kg pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
Pat pork dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat lightly. Keep some fat for flavor and moisture.
2. Make the Dry Rub
Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl.
3. Season the Meat
Rub spice mix all over pork. Press gently so seasoning sticks well.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onion at the bottom. Add minced garlic evenly over onions.
5. Add the Pork
Place seasoned pork on top of onions. This keeps meat from burning.
6. Add Liquids
Pour chicken broth and vinegar around pork. Do not wash off seasoning.
7. Slow Cook the Pork
Cover and cook on low for eight hours. Pork should be very tender.
8. Shred the Meat
Remove pork carefully. Shred using two forks until soft strands form.
9. Add BBQ Sauce
Return shredded pork to slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and brown sugar.
10. Mix and Finish
Stir gently. Cook for 20 minutes more. Sauce will thicken and coat meat.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use pork shoulder for best texture and flavor.
- Cook on low for juiciest results.
- Remove excess fat after cooking if desired.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce for custom taste.
- Add smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor.
- Try honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
- Add hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve pulled pork on soft burger buns. Add coleslaw on top for crunch. Use it in tacos with fresh salsa. Serve over rice for a filling bowl. It works great with baked beans and corn. Add pickles on the side for balance. This dish fits casual dinners and big gatherings. Kids and adults both enjoy it.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for four days. Freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a pan with extra sauce. Add a little water if dry. Microwave gently in short intervals. Stir between heating for even warmth.
Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
Prepare the Pork
- Pat pork dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat lightly. Keep some fat for flavor and moisture.
Make the Dry Rub
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a small bowl.
Season the Meat
- Rub spice mix all over pork. Press gently so seasoning sticks well.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Place sliced onion at the bottom. Add minced garlic evenly over onions.
Add the Pork
- Place seasoned pork on top of onions. This keeps meat from burning.
Add Liquids
- Pour chicken broth and vinegar around pork. Do not wash off seasoning.
Slow Cook the Pork
- Cover and cook on low for eight hours. Pork should be very tender.
Shred the Meat
- Remove pork carefully. Shred using two forks until soft strands form.
Add BBQ Sauce
- Return shredded pork to slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and brown sugar.
Mix and Finish
- Stir gently. Cook for 20 minutes more. Sauce will thicken and coat meat.
Notes
- Use pork shoulder for best texture and flavor.
- Cook on low for juiciest results.
- Remove excess fat after cooking if desired.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce for custom taste.
- Add smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor.
- Try honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
- Add hot sauce for extra heat.
FAQs about Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder or pork butt works best. These cuts have fat and connective tissue. They become tender when slow cooked.
Can I cook this recipe faster?
Yes, cook on high for five hours. Texture may be slightly less tender than low cooking.
Should I sear the pork first?
Searing adds flavor but is optional. This recipe tastes great without extra steps.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, pulled pork tastes even better next day. Flavors deepen while resting in sauce.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it feeds many people. Keep warm in slow cooker and serve easily.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe is simple, comforting, and reliable. You now know how to make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork without stress. The meat turns juicy and flavorful every time.
Using basic ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork gives great results. This recipe saves time and effort. It works for family meals, parties, and leftovers. Try it once and it will become a favorite. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious dish.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.