Print

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

A close-up of shredded, tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork generously coated in rich, dark BBQ sauce on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker recipe. It is perfect for meal prep and family barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  3. Pour the water or chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or in a large bowl. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat and stir to coat everything well.
  8. Cover and cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve hot on buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or use for freezer friendly dinners.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder with good marbling.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork before adding the sauce, let the liquid reduce slightly on HIGH for 15 minutes, then add the sauce back in.
  • This recipe freezes very well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/