Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
If you love my #1 post, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, then you’ll love this BBQ pulled pork version too! With simple seasoning, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cooks all day for fall-apart tender, juicy pork oozing with tangy sweet sauce. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply rub the seasoning on the pork, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices creates an irresistible flavor that enhances the pork.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a sandwich filling, with sides like coleslaw or baked beans, or pile it on nachos for a fun twist!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools ready. These make preparing your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork easier and more efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Essential for achieving tender meat that falls apart with minimal effort.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures your pork reaches the perfect internal temperature for safety and flavor.
- Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for shredding meat and mixing ingredients safely.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 3 pound boneless pork shoulder
For Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
- Rub the boneless pork shoulder generously with herb and garlic seasoning.
- Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
- Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker once done.
- Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Add Juices Back to Pork
- Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cooking juices back into the shredded pork.
- Discard any remaining liquid not used.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Sauce (Optional)
- If desired, mix in additional BBQ sauce before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork as a main dish or creative filling!
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
On a Bun
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Pile the shredded pork on a soft bun and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a classic sandwich.
- Sliders: Perfect for parties, serve smaller portions on slider buns with coleslaw for added crunch.
With Sides
- Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw complements the tender pork perfectly, balancing flavors and textures.
- Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a Southern twist that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
In Tacos
- BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with pulled pork and top with diced onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh take.
As a Salad Topper
- Pulled Pork Salad: Add the BBQ pulled pork on top of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a hearty salad option.
With Rice or Potatoes
- Over Rice: Serve the pulled pork over steamed rice, allowing the juices to soak into the grains.
- Mashed Potatoes: Top creamy mashed potatoes with pulled pork and some of its cooking juices for comfort food at its best.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Achieving perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork requires just a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is tender and full of flavor.
- Choose the right cut: Use a boneless pork shoulder or butt for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning; it enhances the overall taste of the meat as it cooks.
- Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat tender.
- Shred while hot: Shredding the pork while it’s still warm makes it easier and helps absorb more sauce.
- Rest before serving: Letting the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures juiciness when served.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is essential for a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish wonderfully.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add depth to your meal and offer great contrast.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to spicy BBQ flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring color and healthy elements to your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food adds richness that pairs excellently with pulled pork.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes make an exciting appetizer or side dish that enhances Southern flair.
- Pickles or Pickle Chips: The tangy crunch of pickles cuts through the richness of the pork beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the pork can lead to bland flavor. Always rub the pork shoulder with your favorite seasoning before cooking.
- Not using enough liquid: Using too little liquid can result in dry meat. Ensure you have enough BBQ sauce, vinegar, and broth to keep the pork moist during cooking.
- Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking the pork for too short a time can make it tough. Stick to the recommended low and slow cooking times for tender results.
- Forgetting to shred and mix: Neglecting to shred the pork and mix it with juices can leave your pulled pork dry. Always return some of the cooking liquid back to the shredded meat.
- Overcooking on high heat: While tempting, cooking on high heat may dry out the meat. Opt for low heat for a longer period for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Place cooled pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the pork with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
What cut of meat is best for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork?
The best cut is a boneless pork shoulder due to its fat content, which ensures tenderness and flavor during slow cooking.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces or even homemade versions to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when my pulled pork is done?
The ideal internal temperature for pulled pork is 205°F (96°C). At this point, it should be easily shreddable.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Doubling the ingredients works well; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra meat.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different sauces or seasonings based on your taste. Whether served on buns or alongside sides, this dish offers warmth and comfort that everyone will love. Try it out today!
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to tender perfection, this dish features juicy pork shoulder enveloped in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce. With minimal prep time and the ability to cook all day, it’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy dinners at home. Serve it on soft buns, over rice, or even in tacos; the versatility of this dish will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the delicious flavor and convenience of creating a meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Rub the boneless pork shoulder with herb and garlic seasoning.
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth; stir until blended.
- Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 205°F.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return some cooking juices to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg







