Print

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: Best Party Sandwich

slow cooker pulled pork - featured image
Print Recipe

This incredibly easy slow cooker pulled pork is always tender, juicy, and packed with deep, smoky flavor. Perfect for parties, game day, or a stress-free dinner, it’s the recipe that will convert even the biggest pulled pork skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim off any really large, thick pieces of fat, but leave a nice 1/4-inch layer on one side. Cut the pork into 3-4 large chunks.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub this mixture all over the pork chunks, pressing it in so it sticks.
  3. Optional but recommended: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until deep golden brown.
  4. Place the seared (or un-seared) pork chunks into the slow cooker. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour this mixture around the pork, not directly over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.
  6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, make the finishing sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  7. Carefully remove the pork chunks from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat. Using two forks, shred the meat.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour about half of the finishing sauce over the top and stir to combine. Taste and add more sauce as desired. Let it sit on ‘warm’ for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the pork shoulder, don’t skip the fat—it renders down and keeps the meat moist. If using bone-in shoulder, add about 30 minutes to cook time and remove bone before shredding. Smoked paprika is key for smoky flavor. Liquid smoke adds a charred flavor but is optional. If the liquid level is too high after shredding, leave the lid off on ‘warm’ for 20 minutes to concentrate flavor. The pork can be made a day ahead and reheated; flavors improve overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ pulled pork, easy pulled pork, party sandwich, pulled pork recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-pork-best-party-sandwich/