This Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe is an easy, flavorful meal that requires minimal hands-on preparation. Pork shoulder is slow-cooked with a simple blend of spices and a sweet and savory sauce until it becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Whether you’re making sandwiches for a family dinner, preparing food for a party, or simply looking for an easy slow cooker meal, this pulled pork recipe is a delicious option.
Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw, or enjoy it with your favorite sides for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pulled Pork
- Easy to make: The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Tender and juicy: Low-and-slow cooking helps the pork become wonderfully tender.
- Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Perfect for gatherings: Pulled pork is an easy choice for parties, game days, and family dinners.
- Versatile: Serve it as sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or alongside classic barbecue sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork
- 3–4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Slow Cooker Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make Crockpot Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim away any particularly thick pieces of excess fat, leaving some fat for flavor and moisture.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the pork with olive oil, then coat it generously with the spice mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
Pour the sauce around and over the pork.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid.
Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours, depending on the size of the pork and your slow cooker.
The pork is ready when it is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or cutting board.
Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, removing any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.
Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir it into the cooking juices and barbecue sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Let the shredded pork sit in the sauce for about 10–15 minutes so it can absorb more flavor.
Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite barbecue toppings.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork
Use pork shoulder
Pork shoulder, also called pork butt or Boston butt, is ideal for pulled pork because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to stay tender during long cooking.
Don’t rush the cooking process
For the most tender pulled pork, cooking on LOW for several hours is a great approach. The meat needs enough time to become tender enough to shred easily.
Don’t add too much liquid
A slow cooker traps moisture, so you don’t need to completely cover the pork with liquid. The pork will also release juices as it cooks.
Shred the pork while it’s warm
Warm pork is generally much easier to shred. Use two forks or meat shredding claws if you have them.
Let the pork absorb the sauce
After shredding, return the pork to the crockpot and mix it with the cooking juices. Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps the meat absorb more flavor.
Do You Need to Brown the Pork First?
Browning the pork before placing it in the crockpot is optional.
Searing the meat in a hot skillet can add extra caramelized flavor, but you can skip this step when you’re looking for a simple dump-and-cook recipe.
The pulled pork will still be flavorful without searing.
What to Serve With Crockpot Pulled Pork
Pulled pork pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Pickles
For a classic meal, serve the pulled pork on toasted brioche or hamburger buns with creamy coleslaw and pickles.
How to Serve Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pile the shredded pork onto toasted buns and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce. Add coleslaw for a creamy, crunchy topping.
Pulled Pork Tacos
Warm soft tortillas and fill them with pulled pork. Top with cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pulled Pork Bowls
Add pulled pork to a bowl with rice, beans, corn, avocado, and your favorite toppings.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Use small dinner rolls to make bite-sized pulled pork sliders. These are especially convenient for parties and gatherings.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Pulled Pork
Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little more heat.
Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork
Use a sweeter barbecue sauce and add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce.
Smoky Pulled Pork
Use smoked paprika and a smoky barbecue sauce to give the pork a deeper barbecue flavor.
Carolina-Style Pulled Pork
For a tangier version, increase the apple cider vinegar and use a vinegar-based barbecue sauce instead of a thick, sweet sauce.
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Shoulder?
Yes. Bone-in pork shoulder works very well for pulled pork.
Because the weight includes the bone, cooking time may vary. The most important thing is to cook the pork until it becomes very tender and easy to shred.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes. Crockpot pulled pork is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Cook and shred the pork, then store it with some of the cooking juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve it, reheat it gently and add additional barbecue sauce if needed.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Pork
Allow the pulled pork to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and use it within 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide it into meal-sized portions so it’s easier to thaw and reheat.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork
You can reheat pulled pork in several ways.
Stovetop: Place the pork in a saucepan with a splash of broth or barbecue sauce and warm over low heat.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Crockpot: For a larger batch, place the pork back into the slow cooker with some cooking juices and heat until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of pork for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder or pork butt is generally the best choice. Both cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to produce tender, shreddable meat after slow cooking.
Can I cook pulled pork on HIGH?
Yes. You can cook it on HIGH for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the size of the pork and your slow cooker. LOW cooking generally gives you more time for the connective tissue to break down.
Why is my pulled pork tough?
If the pork is tough and difficult to shred, it may simply need more cooking time. Continue cooking until it becomes very tender.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely. Your favorite bottled barbecue sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze crockpot pulled pork?
Yes. Allow it to cool, then freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. For best quality, use within a few months.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and trim away any excess fat.
- Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the pork with olive oil and coat it with the spice mixture.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the seasoned pork on top.
- Whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
- Pour the sauce over and around the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours, until the pork is very tender.
- Transfer the pork to a bowl and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix with the cooking juices.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe is an easy way to make tender, flavorful barbecue-style pork with minimal effort.
The slow cooker allows the pork to cook slowly while absorbing the flavors of the spices, barbecue sauce, garlic, and onions.
Serve it on sandwiches with coleslaw, make pulled pork tacos, or pair it with classic barbecue sides for a satisfying family meal.
It’s also a great recipe to prepare ahead of time when you’re feeding a crowd.
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker dinner that can be used in several different ways, this crockpot pulled pork is a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.
