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.

Loading rating…
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.

Made this recipe?

Share a star rating and comment. We’ll verify your email address, then review submissions before they appear here. Email verification confirms inbox access, not that you cooked the recipe.

Loading approved reviews…

The code, rating, and comment fields stay visible below. Request a code to unlock them.

Your name appears publicly if your review is approved. Your email address stays private.

Your rating
Add a photo (optional)

No Replit sign-in is needed. Request and enter your email code before choosing a photo. Photos stay private until the review is approved.