Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe | Easy, Tender, and Flavorful
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor, this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is the answer. With minimal prep and a few pantry staples, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. This recipe guarantees fork-tender pork that shreds easily and pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce, buns, or even tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
-
Effortless cooking – Just season, slow cook, and shred.
-
Versatile dish – Serve on sandwiches, in wraps, tacos, salads, or as a main dish.
-
Meal prep friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
-
Crowd-pleaser – A budget-friendly option that feeds 6–8 people.
Recipe Overview
-
Yields: 6–8 servings
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
-
Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Ingredients
-
3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
-
1 large onion, roughly chopped
-
1 cup chicken broth (or apple cider for a sweeter tang)
-
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
-
1 tablespoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
Optional: 1 cup BBQ sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry using paper towels. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this spice mixture generously over the pork until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Crockpot
Place the chopped onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a flavorful base for the pork to sit on.
Step 4: Add Pork and Liquid
Transfer the pork shoulder into the slow cooker on top of the onions. Pour chicken broth (or apple cider) around the pork to keep it moist and tender.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
-
On LOW: 6–8 hours
-
On HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the pork is fall-apart tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat.
Step 7: Combine with Juices
Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful juices for maximum taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
-
Mix in BBQ sauce if you want a smoky-sweet flavor, or serve plain with sauce on the side.
-
Best served on soft hamburger buns, in tacos, or over rice.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
-
Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder or pork butt works best because of its fat content and tenderness.
-
Don’t skip the seasoning: The spice rub infuses the pork with rich flavor.
-
Apple cider option: Using apple cider instead of chicken broth adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with pork.
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
-
Classic Pulled Pork Sandwiches: On toasted buns with coleslaw.
-
Pulled Pork Tacos: Add pico de gallo, avocado, and lime.
-
Pulled Pork Bowls: Serve over rice with roasted veggies.
-
BBQ Pizza: Use shredded pork as a topping with BBQ sauce and mozzarella.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe is simple, delicious, and versatile. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family meal or a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth, this dish proves that sometimes the easiest recipes are the most satisfying.
Enjoy this pulled pork on sandwiches, tacos, or any way you like—it’s a true slow cooker classic!