Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a plate

Pork & Seafood · Easy

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This pulled pork cooks low and slow in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce until fall-apart tender, ready to shred and pile onto buns.

15Prep min
360Cook min
375Total min
  • 3-4 lbspork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoonsbrown sugar
  • 1 tablespoonsmoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon eachgarlic powder and onion powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1.5 cupsbarbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cupchicken broth
  • 8buns for serving
  1. 1Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then rub all over the pork shoulder.
  2. 2Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour the chicken broth and 1 cup barbecue sauce around it.
  3. 3Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
  4. 4Remove the pork, shred with two forks, discarding excess fat, and discard or reserve the cooking liquid.
  5. 5Toss the shredded pork with the remaining barbecue sauce and a splash of the reserved cooking liquid.
  6. 6Pile onto buns and serve.

Make it yours

  • Serve over rice or in tacos instead of buns.
  • Add coleslaw on top of the sandwich for crunch.
  • Use a spicier barbecue sauce for extra heat.

Good with

  • Coleslaw
  • Baked beans
  • Pickle spears

Good questions, answered.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, pressure cook on high for about 60-70 minutes with a natural release, then shred and toss with sauce as directed.

How do I know the pork is done?

It should shred easily with two forks and reach an internal temperature of at least 195-205°F for the best texture.