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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork + VIDEO

Slow Cooker BBQ pulled pork is an easy recipe that produces tender, flavorful pork. Using pork butt or pork shoulder, this succulent shredded pork can be served many different ways. Also included in this blog post are instructions to make this easy pork in the Instant Pot.

close up shot of shredded pulled pork on a bun topped with coleslaw

Ingredients For BBQ Pulled Pork

  • Pork Butt or Shoulder
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Seasonings: salt, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper
  • Water or Chicken Broth
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Liquid Smoke (optional)

collage of ingredients for bbq pulled pork

How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork In The Crockpot

Prepare the pork:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.

Slow Cooker

  1. Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
  2. Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
  3. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
  4. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Instant Pot

  1. Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
  2. Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 15 minutes per pound of pork. When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally.
  4. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.

overhead shot of seasoned pork butt on a wooden cutting board

What Is BBQ Pulled Pork?

Pulled Pork is Southern American recipe where pork rubbed with spices and then slow cooked until it’s so tender it pulls apart. BBQ pulled pork is pulled pork with BBQ sauce. It’s not rocket science. There are thousands of BBQ pulled pork recipes out there. It’s one of those dishes where everyone has their own recipe. My version uses my homemade seasoning and your favorite BBQ sauce.

What Cut Of Pork To Use

Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is usually made with pork shoulder or  pork butt. What’s the difference between the two? Both cuts are from the shoulder of the pig but pork butt (aka Boston butt) is located higher up while pork shoulder (aka picnic shoulder/roast) is farther down. Should you use a boneless or bone-in cut of pork? That’s up to you! They both work fine with the recipe so chalk it up to personal preference. I used a 4.5 pound bone-in pork shoulder.

overhead shot of uncooked, shredded pulled pork in a black slow cooker

before

Choosing a BBQ Sauce

The BBQ sauce really makes or breaks the recipe in my opinion. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, use whatever sauce you want. I tend to use my homemade BBQ sauce. It’s both paleo and Whole30 compatible. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, G Hughes is my go-to store bought brand.

How To Serve Pulled Pork

Do you put slaw on your pulled pork sandwich or eat it as a side? I like to add mine on top. My avocado slaw recipe is a great accompaniment for this BBQ pulled pork recipe. For paleo, low-carb, & Whole30, ditch the bun & serve shredded pork plated or in lettuce wraps.

overhead shot of cooked, shredded pulled pork in a black slow cookerFAQs & Tips

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze any leftover pulled pork for up to 3 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.
  • I use a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot to make this recipe.

BBQ Recipes

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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Slow Cooker BBQ pulled pork is an easy recipe that produces tender, flavorful pork. Using pork butt or pork shoulder, this succulent shredded pork can be served many different ways. Instructions to make this easy pork in the Instant Pot are also included.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 45 pounds pork shoulder or butt (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (save the 1/2 cup for serving)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/3 cup water or chicken broth for slow cooker, 1 cup for Instant Pot

Seasoning Blend: 

  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Prepare the pork:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.

Slow Cooker

  1. Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
  2. Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
  3. Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
  4. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Instant Pot

  1. Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
  2. Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 15 minutes per pound of pork. When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally.
  4. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.
  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hours

 

This post also contains affiliate links, which means I receive money if you make a purchase using one of the links. You can view my disclosure policy here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”NUfcoZGi” upload-date=”2021-12-15T07:01:23.000Z” name=”Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork” description=”Slow Cooker BBQ pulled pork is an easy recipe that the entire family will enjoy. Using only a few ingredients, you can also make this shredded pork recipe in your Instant Pot.” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

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Amy

Thursday 14th of July 2022

I have made this so many times for my family.It tastes sooo good!! I love that I can make it in the slow cooker and it tastes like I smoked it. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!

Lorenzo

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

This looks so filling!