Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is an easy, flavorful dinner made with tender pork shoulder slowly cooked in a smoky, savory sauce. After cooking, the pork is shredded and coated in its rich juices, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty family meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Tender, juicy, fall-apart pork
- Simple seasoning and ingredients
- Perfect for sandwiches, parties, and meal prep
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Season the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the pork.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seasoned pork shoulder on top.
- Add the sauce: Whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Shred the pork: Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred it with two forks, removing any large pieces of fat.
- Combine with the juices: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the cooking juices. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so it absorbs the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with extra barbecue sauce, or use it for tacos, nachos, or sandwiches.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Pork shoulder or pork butt works best because the higher fat content keeps the meat tender.
- Don’t add too much liquid; the pork will release additional juices as it cooks.
- For crispier edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes.
- Add coleslaw and extra barbecue sauce for classic pulled pork sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a delicious and easy meal that becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. Serve it on soft buns with barbecue sauce and crunchy coleslaw for a classic comfort-food dinner.
