This easy crockpot BBQ pulled pork is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Just toss the pork in the slow cooker with BBQ sauce and let it cook all day.
I love how little effort it takes—throw everything in, and it practically cooks itself! Perfect for sandwiches or tacos. Plus, your house will smell amazing! 🐖❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, a pork loin can be used, but it may not be as juicy. Don’t forget to add a bit of fat, such as bacon or lard, to keep it moist.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience or try a homemade version for a personal touch. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can make a BBQ sauce with less sugar or use a low-sugar option.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add tons of flavor. If onions make you tear up, you can use shallots instead. For garlic lovers, feel free to add more than three cloves for extra flavor!
How Do You Get the Pork to Shred Easily?
The key to perfectly shredding your pulled pork is in the cooking time and temperature. Slow cooking allows the connective tissues to break down, making the meat tender. Here’re the steps:
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- When it’s done, take the pork out and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.
- Use two forks, pulling the meat apart in opposite directions. If it doesn’t shred easily, give it a bit more cooking time.
Trust me, once you get this technique down, your pulled pork will be a hit every time!
Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- Hamburger buns or slider rolls, for serving
- Coleslaw (optional), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time plus cooking time. If you cook on low, you’ll need about 8 to 10 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high will take about 4 to 6 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with delicious pulled pork!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder to create a spice rub. This mixture will add great flavor to your pulled pork.
2. Season the Pork:
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder until it is evenly coated. This is where the flavor starts to build, so don’t skip this step!
3. Lay the Base:
In the bottom of the crockpot, place the sliced onion and minced garlic. This will add more flavor as the pork cooks.
4. Add the Pork:
Put the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Be sure to place it right on top.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth (or water) around the pork, but avoid pouring it on top to keep the spice rub intact.
6. Cook the Pork:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The pork should be very tender and shred easily when done.
7. Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
8. Remove Excess Fat:
Look through the shredded pork and discard any large chunks of fat. You want to keep the meat nice and lean!
9. Mix with BBQ Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with the BBQ sauce until it’s well mixed. Make sure every piece gets a tasty coating!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the BBQ pulled pork on hamburger buns or slider rolls. If you like, top it with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
There you go! Easy, tasty, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, while pork shoulder is best for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use pork loin. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and may dry out more easily, so it’s essential to monitor cooking time closely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in portions for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like heat, consider adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the BBQ sauce before serving for an extra kick!
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Definitely! This pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat as needed and serve on buns, tacos, or salads!