Print

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A close-up of shredded, saucy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork piled high on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set-and-forget recipe is perfect for barbecue sandwiches or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the basin of your slow cooker.
  4. Pour the chicken broth or water around the pork, not over the top.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or platter. Reserve the cooking liquid.
  7. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  8. Skim any excess fat from the top of the reserved cooking liquid. You can use this liquid to moisten the shredded pork if needed.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour about 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over the meat and stir to coat.
  10. Cook on the WARM setting for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot on buns with extra barbecue sauce.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a pork shoulder (Boston butt) with some marbling.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the reserved cooking liquid before returning the pork to the cooker.
  • This pulled pork freezes well for easy meal prep. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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