First things first — thank you for being here! Whether you’ve stumbled across this post looking for a fuss-free dinner idea or you’re a longtime reader (hi again!), I’m so grateful to share my kitchen with you. Today’s recipe is one I’ve been wanting to post for ages — Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork. It’s juicy, flavorful, practically melts in your mouth, and best of all? Your slow cooker does all the hard work!
Before we dive in, if you love easy, family-approved meals like this one, make sure to subscribe to get all my new recipes by email — hot from my kitchen to yours. 💌
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
This recipe is:
- Low-effort, high reward. Dump, slow cook, shred, serve.
- Meal-prep friendly. Make a big batch and use it throughout the week.
- Crowd-pleasing. From picky eaters to BBQ lovers, everyone asks for seconds.
- Versatile! Sandwiches, sliders, tacos, rice bowls — I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
The flavor? Smoky, savory, with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pork’s natural richness. The smell when this is in the crockpot? INCREDIBLE. I’m kicking myself for not having shot a video of the steam wafting up when I lifted the lid!
The Many Benefits of This Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy Sundays.
- Budget-friendly. Pork shoulder is an affordable cut with premium results.
- Freezer-friendly. Make once, enjoy twice (or more!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for a kick)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a nice tang)
Tools You’ll Need
- A slow cooker (6-quart works great!)
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Tongs for handling the pork
- A cutting board (optional, if you want to remove fat)
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- No pork shoulder? Pork loin can work in a pinch, but it’s leaner — watch for dryness.
- BBQ Sauce Options: Sweet, spicy, vinegar-based — go with your fave or try homemade!
- Add-ins: A sliced onion under the pork adds extra depth. A splash of liquid smoke? Yes, please!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Step 1: Season the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder all over with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
Step 2: Into the Crockpot
Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around it (not on top — you don’t want to rinse off those spices!).
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Sauce
Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Shred with two forks, discarding excess fat if you’d like. Return to the slow cooker, stir in your BBQ sauce, and warm for another 10–15 minutes.
What to Serve With BBQ Pulled Pork
- Classic: Pile it high on a toasted brioche bun with coleslaw on top!
- Creative: Serve over baked sweet potatoes or inside quesadillas.
- Low-carb: Lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice bowls.
- Side ideas: Cornbread, mac and cheese, pickles, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork
- Use pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Trim excess fat before cooking if you prefer a leaner bite.
- Don’t skip the acid! Apple cider vinegar balances the richness.
- Let it rest. After shredding, give the pork a few minutes to soak up that BBQ sauce goodness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags (lay flat!) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth.
FAQs About Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Can I use frozen pork?
Yes, but thaw it completely before adding to your slow cooker for even cooking.
Can I make this in the oven?
Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The chili powder adds warmth, not heat — leave it out or add more as you like.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Totally up to you — sweet, smoky, spicy — but I love a Kansas City-style sauce here.
In Summary…
This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is everything a busy home cook dreams of — easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it on a bun, in a taco, or over mashed potatoes, it’s bound to become a repeat request.
Craving more cozy, flavor-packed recipes? Check out these next:
- Healthy Chicken Meatloaf (Moist, Flavorful & Anything but Boring!)
- Roasted Chicken with Herb-Seasoned Vegetables
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Don’t Forget to Share!
Tried this recipe? Leave a review below — I love hearing your tweaks and serving ideas! And if you’re on Pinterest, snap a photo and tag me. Let’s spread the slow-cooked love! 💛
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 0g