Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Can't babysit a grill for a whole day? This easy slow cooker bbq pulled pork gives you the irresistible smoke and tangy goodness of a full-on smokehouse operation right from your kitchen. 

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What is pulled pork?

Pulled pork is kinda what it sounds like: a roast of pork (usually butt/shoulder) cooked to tenderness before being pulled apart. Despite the simplicity, there are definitely a few different ways to go about having shredded pork—one great example being these slow cooker pork carnitas. 

Easy slow cooker bbq pulled pork 

So what makes this recipe BBQ pulled pork? Why can we call something BBQ that was cooked in a crock pot? Because we can, that's why. And because this recipe makes great use of your favorite bbq sauce (let me know in the comments which one you choose!). One of my favorites is Sweet Baby Ray's - they have a great selection of varying tastes and heat levels. 

​I love crock pot meals and this is one of the best slow cooker pork recipes out there. You won't regret making this high-protein dish for dinner. 

This recipe makes the most delicious pulled pork and it is such an amazing recipe to use for meal prep, a summer bbq, or a family dinner. It has minimal effort and amazing results. This is my favorite recipe for pork and it has so many great flavors. 

Bbq pulled pork ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need ingredients to place in the slow cooker with the pork, as well as ingredients to make the rub for the pork. What goes in with it? Aromatics—in this case, we go for garlic and onion. The simple rub ingredients are below for the most flavorful bbq pork. 

Ingredients

• pork shoulder or butt skinless, boneless (I used a boneless boston pork roast)
• barbecue sauce (store bought or homemade bbq sauce)
• apple cider vinegar
• chicken broth

Dry Rub:

• chili powder
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• pepper

How to make bbq pulled pork

Follow these simple instructions to make the easiest pulled pork recipe:

For best results, the method for making bbq pulled pork with this recipe is searing in a pan (SO IMPORTANT!) and then cooking in a slow cooker. It’s SO easy to make the best pulled pork in the slow cooker. I would say "set it and forget it," but trust me: you won't forget about this until long after you've had a chance to eat it and make it again.

• Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. To do this, take the pork out of the packaging and use paper towels to soak up all the excess liquid.
• Combine the rub ingredients into a small bowl. Use your hands to add the spice rub all over the pork.
• Place the pork in the slow cooker (fat side up).
• In a small bowl, mix together the bbq sauce, vinegar and broth. Pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for a cooking time of 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours (until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees using a meat thermometer).
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker. Discard the extra liquid from the slow cooker, except ¼-1/2 cup.
• Shred using two forks.
• Add extra BBQ sauce to the pork after pulling.
• Serve with buns and coleslaw, potatoes, nachos, or however you want to enjoy!
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

How long will bbq pulled pork last?

This bbq pulled pork will last in the fridge for up to five days. This makes it a great option for a meal prepped dinner. Remember to store in an airtight container! 

Is bbq pulled pork healthy?

Healthy is a subjective term and means different things for different people. It really depends on each person's different goals, activity levels, and metabolism. 

This bbq pulled pork is packed with nutrients! One serving of this bbq pulled pork is 396 calories and offers 30 grams of protein!

What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

A pork shoulder or pork butt will be the best cut of pork for this recipe. I like to use a boneless, skinless pork butt roast or a boneless pork shoulder for pulled pork.

Some people like to leave the bone in, as it imparts flavor, but I promise you'll get plenty of flavor with the boneless option should you choose to go that route.

How long does pork take to cook in a slow cooker?

To make this easy recipe, you'll definitely need a couple of hours on your hands. You're going to give it from 6-8 hours, depending on the slow cooker you use and the size of roast. 

It's not such an exact science in this case. You're trying to cook it through and get it to a point where it pulls easily.

Can you put raw pork in a slow cooker?

You can definitely do that, but the searing process at the beginning is a huge difference maker in terms of flavor. Don't skip this step!

Trust me: I've tried it both ways, and for this great recipe, the sear in the beginning is the way to go. 

Can you cook pulled pork too long in a slow cooker?

I guess it's possible to cook anything too long in a slow cooker—pork is no exception. You just want to cook the pork completely through while at the same time, giving it a chance to become tender enough that it pulls apart when you ask it to do so (nicely, of course). 

What to serve with pulled pork 

In my opinion, the best way to enjoy this pulled pork is on a bun and a side of slaw. Oh, and more sauce. 

Some sauteed green beans or steamed broccoli would go so well with this dish as well. You can always go traditional bbq sides. Think corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, Texas caviar, fries, or some pickles. 

My favorite way to eat leftover pulled pork is by making pork sandwiches. A side of fresh fruit or fresh vegetables would be perfect next to a pork sandwich. You could also get creative with the leftovers and make some delicious barbecue pork tacos or pork nachos. 

When to add barbecue sauce to pulled pork in a slow cooker?

The answer to this question can vary based on the specifics of different recipes. For this recipe, mix the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.

Pour over the cut of pork at the beginning of the cook time. This will ensure the pork cooks thoroughly and becomes super tender. 

Do you need liquid in a slow cooker for pulled pork?

As I answered in the question above, liquid in a slow cooker will help the meat become tender and juicy, perfect to shred at the end of the long cook time. The steam that is generated from the heat of crock pot keeps the meat from drying out. 

You don't need to have enough to completely submerge the meat. Rather, just cover the bottom and about halfway up the side of the cut of pork. As I said earlier, it is the steam that keeps the meat tender and juicy. 

This recipe calls for a mixture of apple cider vinegar, bbq sauce, and chicken broth. The apple cider vinegar really adds a tasty, tangy flavor to the pork.

Other quick, high-protein recipes:

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Try one of these popular easy dinner recipes:

• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
• Healthy Orange Chicken