Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork: Tender, Juicy Pulled Pork That Melts in Your Mouth

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

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of slow cooker BBQ pork that’s been simmering all day. This delicious recipe transforms an affordable cut of meat into a tender, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

This slow-cooked barbecue pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. The long, gentle cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the pork shoulder, resulting in meat that’s so tender it practically shreds itself. Plus, the combination of tangy barbecue flavors with the rich pork creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply enjoying on its own.

The Perfect Cut of Pork for Slow Cooking

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is the ideal cut for this recipe. It has enough fat marbled throughout to keep the meat moist during the long cooking process, and the collagen breaks down beautifully, creating that tender, shreddable texture we’re looking for in pulled pork.

Ingredients for Mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

• 4-5 pound bone-in pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 hamburger buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Pickles, for serving (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Two forks for shredding

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

1. Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat cap intact. Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

2. Sear the meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds tremendous flavor.

3. Prepare the slow cooker: Place sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.

4. Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

5. Combine ingredients: Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic around the pork. Pour the sauce mixture over everything.

6. 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 easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 195°F for that perfect fall-apart texture.

7. Shred the pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork to a large cutting board or dish. Remove and discard the bone if present. Using two forks, shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat.

8. Prepare the sauce: Skim excess fat from the top of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer to reduce for 10-15 minutes.

9. Combine and serve: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with as much of the cooking liquid as desired to moisten the meat. Keep warm until ready to serve.

10. Serve: Toast hamburger buns if desired. Pile the pulled pork onto the buns, add extra barbecue sauce if you like, and top with coleslaw and pickles for the perfect pulled pork sandwich.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

• Don’t skip the sear: While it’s tempting to just throw everything in the slow cooker, taking a few minutes to brown the pork first creates deeper flavor through caramelization.
• Patience pays off: The longer and slower you cook the pork, the more tender it will become. If you have the time, always choose the low setting for 8-10 hours.
• Save the liquid gold: The cooking liquid is packed with flavor. Don’t waste it! Use it to moisten the shredded pork or reduce it to make a delicious sauce.
• Rest before shredding: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Make ahead: This pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Variations to Try

• Carolina-Style: Add more vinegar and a touch of hot sauce for a tangy Carolina-style pulled pork.
• Sweet and Spicy: Increase the brown sugar and cayenne for a sweet heat flavor profile.
• Smoky: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce for that smoker flavor without the actual smoker.
• Mexican-Inspired: Use the pulled pork in tacos with lime, cilantro, and avocado.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

This versatile pulled pork can be served in so many delicious ways:

• Classic sandwiches: Pile high on toasted buns with coleslaw for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Pulled pork tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with avocado, pickled red onions, and cilantro.
• BBQ pork bowls: Create grain bowls with rice, beans, corn, and your favorite toppings.
• Loaded nachos: Layer over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
• Stuffed potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Creamy coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Cornbread
• Pickles

Storing and Freezing Your BBQ Pulled Pork

One of the best things about making a big batch of slow cooker BBQ pork is having leftovers!

• Refrigerator: Store cooled pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze with some of the cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water, broth, or barbecue sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork shoulder (Boston butt) is ideal, you can also use pork picnic shoulder or country-style ribs. Leaner cuts like pork loin will work but may not be as juicy or tender.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?

Yes, liquid is essential for proper cooking and to prevent the meat from drying out. The chicken broth and other sauce ingredients provide the necessary moisture.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 195°F and should easily shred with a fork when done. If it’s still tough or difficult to shred, it needs more time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more after a day in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead party food.

What if my pulled pork is too dry?

Mix in some of the reserved cooking liquid or additional barbecue sauce to moisten it back up.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (without bun or toppings):

• Calories: 528 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 803 mg

Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Recipe Works

This recipe has been tested and perfected to ensure the most tender, flavorful pulled pork every time. The combination of gentle heat, flavorful liquids, and the perfect blend of spices works together to break down the tough muscle fibers in the pork shoulder, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a backyard gathering or meal prepping for your family, this slow cooker BBQ pork recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes’ Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork.