Oh, slow cooker BBQ pulled pork – my absolute go-to when I want a meal that practically cooks itself while filling the house with that irresistible smoky-sweet aroma. I’ve made this for everything from lazy Sundays to last-minute potlucks (shh, no one needs to know how little effort it took). The magic? That pork shoulder transforms into melt-in-your-mouth goodness after a long, slow simmer in tangy BBQ sauce. My family swears it’s better than our favorite BBQ joint’s version – and trust me, that’s saying something. Just wait until you see how easy it is to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new best friend:

Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Dump everything in the crockpot before work and come home to dinner ready to devour
Foolproof tenderness: That low-and-slow cooking breaks down even the toughest pork shoulder into shreddable perfection
Flavor bomb: The sauce caramelizes into the meat, creating layers of sweet, smoky, tangy goodness in every bite
Crowd-pleaser: Works for game day, potlucks, or when your teenager brings home three unexpected friends

Seriously – this is the kind of recipe that makes people think you slaved all day when you really just pressed a button.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most mouthwatering pulled pork – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:

3 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt – look for one with good marbling but trim off any huge fat caps)
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite bottled kind or my homemade sauce recipe if you’re feeling fancy)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium works best so you can control the salt)
1 tbsp brown sugar (dark brown gives the deepest flavor, but light works too)
1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we’ll add salt separately)
1 tsp onion powder (my secret for that “slow-smoked” flavor without a smoker)
1 tsp smoked paprika (this is non-negotiable for that authentic BBQ taste!)
1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher – adjust if your BBQ sauce is very salty)
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)

See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find. The pork shoulder is the star here – don’t be tempted to use leaner cuts or you’ll miss out on that fall-apart texture!

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Making this pulled pork is so simple you’ll laugh – but I’ll walk you through each step to ensure perfect results every time. The key here is patience (I know, I struggle with that too) – but trust me, letting that pork cook low and slow is what makes it magical.

Step 1: Prep the Pork

First things first – grab your pork shoulder and trim off any huge chunks of fat (leave some though – that’s where the flavor lives!). No need to get obsessive, just remove anything thicker than 1/4 inch. Then plop that beautiful hunk of meat right into your slow cooker – no browning needed!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Now for the flavor magic! In a bowl, whisk together your BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and all those yummy spices. Pro tip: if you’re out of chicken broth, apple juice works amazingly well too. Pour this glorious mixture all over the pork – don’t be shy, coat every inch!

Step 3: Cook and Shred

Here’s where patience comes in – cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. I know, I know – you’re tempted to crank it to high, but resist! High heat makes tough pork. When time’s up, the meat should shred effortlessly with two forks. If it doesn’t, give it another 30 minutes. Drain most of the liquid (save some for moisture!), shred, and mix with remaining sauce. Boom – perfection!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for pulled pork perfection:

Brown it first: For extra flavor, quickly sear the pork in a skillet before slow cooking – those crispy bits add amazing depth!
Sweetness check: Taste your sauce before cooking – some BBQ sauces are sweeter than others. Adjust brown sugar accordingly.
Fat is flavor: Don’t over-trim the pork – that marbling keeps it juicy during the long cook time.
Storage secret: Leftovers keep best when stored in the cooking liquid. Just skim excess fat off the top first.
Freshness boost: Stir in a splash of fresh BBQ sauce when reheating to revive that just-cooked taste.

Trust me – these little tricks make all the difference between good pulled pork and “oh-my-goodness” pulled pork!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Now for the fun part – loading up your plate with this tender pulled pork! My family goes crazy for it piled high on soft brioche buns with a big scoop of tangy coleslaw on top. The cool crunch cuts through the rich pork perfectly. Don’t forget the pickles – the vinegar punch makes all the flavors pop. For something different, try it over baked potatoes or tucked into crispy taco shells. Honestly? I’ve been known to eat it straight from the slow cooker with a fork when no one’s looking… no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Listen, I know leftovers rarely happen with this recipe (my family inhales it!), but when they do, here’s how to keep that pulled pork tasting fresh. Store it in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid – it’ll stay juicy for 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer (portion it out so you can grab just what you need). To reheat, my favorite trick is dumping it in a skillet with a splash of broth or apple juice over medium-low heat – it brings back that just-cooked texture without drying out. The microwave works in a pinch too – just cover and stir every 30 seconds so it heats evenly. Pro tip: Freeze some in individual bags for instant BBQ sandwiches on busy nights!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and trust me, you will!), it’s time to play around! My favorite part about this pulled pork is how easily it adapts to whatever flavors you’re craving. Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder if you want extra heat – just start with half the amount unless you’re feeling brave. For a tropical twist, stir in crushed pineapple during the last hour of cooking – the sweetness balances the smoky BBQ perfectly.

Different sauces can completely transform the dish too. Try using a Carolina-style vinegar sauce instead of sweet BBQ for tangy pulled pork that’s amazing on slaw-topped sandwiches. Or go wild with Korean gochujang sauce mixed with a bit of honey – it creates this incredible sticky-spicy-sweet situation that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (based on my recipe – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on ingredients). Per 1/2 cup serving, you’re looking at roughly:

320 calories (but who’s counting when it’s this good?)
28g protein to keep you satisfied
18g carbs (mostly from that heavenly sauce)
14g fat – because flavor needs a little love too

Remember, these are just estimates – your results may vary based on your pork’s marbling or BBQ sauce choice. But honestly? When something tastes this amazing, sometimes it’s okay not to overthink the numbers!

FAQ About Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

I get asked these questions all the time about my favorite pulled pork recipe – let me save you some trial and error!

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Oh honey, I wouldn’t – pork loin is too lean and will dry out during the long cook time. Pork shoulder (aka Boston butt) has that perfect fat marbling that keeps it juicy. If you must use loin, cut the cooking time in half and add extra sauce.

How do I fix dry pulled pork?

First, don’t panic! Mix in some reserved cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce while the pork’s still warm. A splash of apple cider vinegar helps too. Next time, check your pork at 7 hours – slow cookers can vary.

Can I cook Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork on high?

You can technically cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but the texture won’t be nearly as tender. That low-and-slow magic is what breaks down the connective tissue into that fall-apart perfection we all love!

What’s the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork?

I’m partial to smoky, slightly sweet sauces – anything labeled “Kansas City style” works great. Make your own if you’re feeling ambitious (my secret: add a splash of coffee for depth!). Avoid overly vinegary sauces unless that’s your thing.

Try this recipe and share your results! Tag me so I can see your masterpiece – nothing makes me happier than seeing folks enjoy this easy, delicious meal.

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe – Easy & Amazing!

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 8 hours 10 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Tender pulled pork cooked in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce for a flavorful and easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
Pour the mixture over the pork.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred the pork with forks.
Serve on buns or as desired.

Notes

Use a leaner cut of pork for less fat.
Adjust BBQ sauce to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ, pulled pork, easy dinner