Crockpot Pulled Pork is the definition of effortless comfort food — a dish where a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Slowly cooked for hours until it’s fall-apart tender, this pork soaks up every bit of flavor from the seasonings and sauce, making each bite irresistibly juicy and savory.
The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooking process — the pork becomes so tender that it practically shreds itself. Whether you’re piling it onto soft buns, stuffing it into tacos, or layering it over baked potatoes, this recipe delivers that perfect smoky-sweet flavor you’d expect from a barbecue joint — without needing to light a grill.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Crockpot Pulled Pork because it’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that never fails to impress. You throw everything into the slow cooker, go about your day, and return to a kitchen that smells like BBQ heaven.
It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and affordable — ideal for family dinners, game days, or potlucks. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day! The pork stays moist and flavorful, and you can use it in sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and even pizzas.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Effortless and hands-free cooking — your slow cooker does all the work.
- Incredibly tender and flavorful meat every single time.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
- Great base for multiple dishes — from BBQ sandwiches to tacos.
- A perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours (Low) or 5 hours (High)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~430 kcal per serving (approximate, without bun)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American / Southern BBQ
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional (for Serving):
- Extra BBQ sauce
- Coleslaw
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
Cooking Directions
- Prepare the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Rub it generously with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Set the pork shoulder on top.
- Add sauce mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour it over the pork.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours (best result) or High for 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the pork: Remove pork from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and discard any large pieces of fat.
- Mix and serve: Stir the shredded pork back into the sauce in the slow cooker. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes on warm before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Pat the pork dry with paper towels and trim excess fat. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the pork.
Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot
Place onion slices and minced garlic at the base of the crockpot — this acts as a flavor bed for the pork.
Step 3: Add the Pork and Sauce
Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork
Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the heat consistent.
Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Discard any bones or large fatty pieces. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let it soak for a few minutes, then serve on buns with coleslaw or extra BBQ sauce.
How to Serve This Recipe
Classic Serving Ideas:
- On toasted buns topped with creamy coleslaw and pickles.
- In tacos or burritos with avocado and salsa.
- Over baked potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
- As a pizza topping with BBQ sauce and mozzarella.
Pair With:
- Cornbread
- Mac and cheese
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Roasted corn
Recipe Tips
- Use pork shoulder or butt: These cuts are fatty and flavorful, making them ideal for slow cooking.
- Don’t rush the process: Low and slow gives the best texture.
- Drain excess liquid before shredding: Helps the sauce cling to the meat.
- Mix sauce after shredding: Ensures every strand of pork is juicy and flavorful.
- Double the recipe for parties: Pulled pork freezes beautifully for later use.
Variations
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Honey BBQ Pulled Pork: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweet glaze-style flavor.
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add crushed pineapple and soy sauce for a tropical twist.
- Beer-Braised Pulled Pork: Replace chicken broth with beer for rich, malty depth.
- Vinegar-Based Pulled Pork: Use Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce instead of tomato-based sauce for a tangier flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.
- Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Tip: Freeze in portion sizes for easy meal prep.
Special Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Tongs
- Two forks for shredding
- Mixing bowls
- Airtight storage containers
Conclusion
Crockpot Pulled Pork is the epitome of comfort food done right — juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky-sweet flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, foolproof for beginners, and versatile enough to serve in countless ways.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a cozy family dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe guarantees rich, mouthwatering results every time.
Crockpot Pulled Pork
Description
Crockpot Pulled Pork is the definition of effortless comfort food — a dish where a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
Optional (for Serving):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork : Pat the pork dry with paper towels and trim excess fat. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the pork.
-
Step 2: Set Up the Crockpot : Place onion slices and minced garlic at the base of the crockpot — this acts as a flavor bed for the pork.
-
Step 3: Add the Pork and Sauce : Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.
-
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork :Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the heat consistent.
-
Step 5: Shred and Mix : Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Discard any bones or large fatty pieces. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy : Let it soak for a few minutes, then serve on buns with coleslaw or extra BBQ sauce.
