Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe: Tender, Juicy Comfort Food in 5 Hours

The Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe – Tender, Juicy, and Oh-So-Easy!

Making bbq pulled pork in the slow cooker is one of those magical cooking techniques that transforms a humble pork shoulder into something extraordinary with minimal effort. This melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork recipe delivers incredible flavor while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or game day parties!

This irresistible slow cooker pulled pork bathes a pork shoulder in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce until it’s fall-apart tender. Serve it piled high on soft buns with extra sauce and coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food experience everyone will rave about!

Why This BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Recipe Works

There’s something magical about the slow cooker method for making pulled pork. The low, slow cooking process breaks down tough connective tissues in the pork shoulder, resulting in meat that literally falls apart when touched. The combination of savory spices, tangy vinegar, and sweet brown sugar creates complex layers of flavor that simply can’t be rushed.

Plus, this recipe is:

• Incredibly easy – just set it and forget it!
• Budget-friendly – pork shoulder is an economical cut
• Perfect for meal prep – freezes beautifully for future meals
• Versatile – use for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more
• Always a crowd-pleaser – even picky eaters love it

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

• 4-pound boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 hamburger buns, for serving
• Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
• Pickles, for serving (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions for BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat cap intact for flavor. Cut pork into 3-4 large chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown pork pieces on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary. Transfer browned pork to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste until well combined.
5. Add paprika, chili powder, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
6. Pour sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring meat is evenly coated.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours, until pork is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
8. Remove pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board or bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat, removing any large pieces of fat.
9. Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker. For a thicker sauce, transfer liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until reduced.
10. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
11. Toast hamburger buns if desired. Pile pulled pork onto buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if using.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Having made countless batches of bbq pulled pork in the slow cooker, I’ve discovered a few secrets to ensure yours turns out perfect every time:

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal for this recipe due to its high fat content and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking.
• Don’t skip browning: Taking the time to sear the meat before slow cooking adds a deeper flavor dimension that you can’t achieve otherwise.
• Leave some fat: While you should trim excessive fat, leave some fat cap intact as it will render down and keep the meat juicy.
• Don’t peek! Every time you lift the slow cooker lid, you lose heat and extend cooking time by about 30 minutes.
• Let it rest: For the juiciest results, let the pulled pork rest for about 15 minutes before serving.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your BBQ Pulled Pork

While classic sandwiches are always a hit, your slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly versatile:

• Pulled pork tacos: Serve in corn tortillas with quick-pickled red onions and cilantro
• BBQ pulled pork nachos: Pile onto tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream
• Pulled pork mac and cheese: Mix into your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an indulgent meal
• Pulled pork stuffed potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, and green onions
• BBQ pulled pork pizza: Use as a topping with red onions and cilantro

Storing and Freezing Leftover Pulled Pork

One of the best things about making bbq pulled pork in the slow cooker is how well it stores for future meals:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion cooled pulled pork into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated.

FAQ About BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

Can I make this recipe with a different cut of pork?
Pork shoulder (Boston butt) is ideal, but pork picnic or pork loin can work in a pinch. Pork loin will be leaner and may not be as juicy, so consider adding a bit more liquid.

Do I need to add liquid to my slow cooker?
Yes, the liquid in this recipe comes from the barbecue sauce, vinegar, and broth mixture. Never run a slow cooker without some liquid.

My pulled pork seems too liquidy. How can I thicken the sauce?
Remove the meat and transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Simmer until reduced to your desired consistency, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat slowly in the slow cooker on the LOW setting.

Nutrition Information

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this bbq pulled pork slow cooker recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender, juicy meat and rich, tangy sauce makes this a guaranteed family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!

Recipe inspired by Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork from Allrecipes