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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

A close-up of tender, shredded slow cooker pulled pork coated in a rich, glossy barbecue sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker recipe. It is great for meal prep and family barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder. You do not need to remove all the fat; some fat helps keep the meat moist.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the pork shoulder.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker.
  5. Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce around the pork. Do not pour the sauce directly over the top of the rub.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  7. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of fat remaining on the meat.
  8. Use two forks to shred the pork completely.
  9. Skim any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. This liquid is your cooking liquid/sauce base.
  10. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid to keep the meat moist. Add more liquid if the meat seems dry.
  11. Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Taste and add more sauce if desired.
  12. Serve the crockpot pulled pork hot on buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or use it for meal prep meats.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, let the pulled pork rest in the sauce for 30 minutes on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting before serving.
  • This recipe makes excellent freezer friendly dinners; cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the liquid from the slow cooker and simmer it on the stovetop until reduced, then pour back over the meat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/