Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

The Ultimate Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe – Tender, Flavorful, and Deliciously Simple

This mouth-watering BBQ pulled pork recipe delivers that perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Using your slow cooker makes this traditionally labor-intensive dish incredibly simple while still achieving that authentic barbecue taste and fall-apart tender texture.

Why You’ll Love This Easy BBQ Pulled Pork

There’s something magical about perfectly cooked pulled pork. The way it shreds effortlessly with just a gentle tug of your fork, the rich aroma that fills your kitchen, and of course, that incredible flavor profile that balances sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. This recipe delivers all that without requiring you to tend a smoker all day!

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, preparing for game day, or just craving some serious comfort food, this slow cooker method ensures consistent results with minimal effort.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this pulled pork is how well it keeps and reheats. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious meal options all week long!

Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

• 4-5 pound pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 8-10 hamburger buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Pickle slices, for serving (optional)

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork in Your Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
2. Season the meat: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if desired (leaving some fat will add flavor). Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture all over the meat, pressing it in to adhere.
3. Sear the meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
4. Prepare the slow cooker: Place diced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Add liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Pour half of this mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Add the pork: Transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker, placing it on top of the onions.
7. Pour remaining sauce: Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the pork.
8. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is extremely tender and falls apart easily when prodded with a fork.
9. Shred the meat: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
10. Strain and reduce sauce: Optional but recommended: Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan, discarding solids. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.
11. Combine and finish: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add about 1 cup of the reduced sauce (or more to taste) and mix well. Keep warm until ready to serve.
12. Serve: Toast hamburger buns if desired. Pile the pulled pork onto the buns, add extra barbecue sauce if desired, and top with coleslaw and pickles if using.

Tips for the Best BBQ Pulled Pork

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal for pulled pork because of its marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during long cooking.
• Don’t skip the sear: Taking the time to brown the meat before slow cooking adds tremendous flavor through caramelization.
• Patience pays off: The longer and slower you cook pulled pork, the more tender it becomes. You almost can’t overcook it in a slow cooker!
• Rest before shredding: Let the cooked pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding to allow juices to redistribute.
• Save that liquid gold: The cooking liquid contains incredible flavor. Reducing it concentrates those flavors even more.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This BBQ pulled pork recipe is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F with a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering to prevent drying out.

Creative Serving Ideas for Your Pulled Pork

While classic pulled pork sandwiches are always a hit, don’t limit yourself! Here are some delicious alternative ways to enjoy your BBQ pulled pork:

• Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite nacho toppings.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve in soft tortillas with coleslaw, pickled red onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Mix pulled pork into your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an indulgent meal.
• Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with pulled pork and cheese, then grill until crispy.

Why This BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe Works Every Time

The beauty of this slow cooker method is its reliability. By using a combination of dry rub and wet ingredients, you’re building layers of flavor while ensuring the meat stays moist throughout the long cooking process. The result is tender, juicy pulled pork that captures that authentic barbecue flavor without requiring specialized equipment or techniques.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this BBQ pulled pork recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes