Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that produces versatile, melt-in-your mouth meat. Using just a few simple ingredients, this fall-apart pork can be served many different ways. Perfect for sandwiches, stuffing baked potatoes, or even meal prepping. Instructions to make this pulled pork in the Instant Pot are also included.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
- Pork Butt or Shoulder
- BBQ Sauce
- Water or Chicken Broth
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Liquid Smoke (optional)
- Seasonings: salt, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper
How To Make BBQ Pulled Pork In The Crockpot
Prepare the pork:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.
- Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
- Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.
- Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
- Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
- 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.
- Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker meal – Minimal prep, hands-off cooking
- Fall-apart tender – Perfect shreddable texture
- Great for meal prep – Makes a large batch
- Versatile – Serve in sandwiches, bowls, or tacos
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for gatherings
- Customizable flavor – Adjust sauce and seasoning to your taste
FAQs & Tips
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 should you 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.
How to choose 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 this?
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, and Whole30, ditch the bun & serve this shredded pork plated or in lettuce wraps.
How do you store leftovers?
Store leftover crockpot BBQ pulled pork in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What size slow cooker should you use?
I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.
BBQ Recipes
PrintSlow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that produces versatile, melt-in-your mouth meat. Using just a few simple ingredients, this fall-apart pork can be served many different ways. Perfect for sandwiches, stuffing baked potatoes, or even meal prepping. Instructions to make this pulled pork in the Instant Pot are also included.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Whole30
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 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
- 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:
- In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings until blended. Season the pork evenly all over with all of the seasoning blend.
- Add broth (or water), apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Add prepared pork to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce on top.
- Cook HIGH 4-5 hours or LOW 8-10.
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred. Place shredded pork back into the slow cooker until ready to serve.
- Pour the broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Add the prepared pork.
- Mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Pour the mixture on top of the pork. Do not stir.
- 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.
- Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred. Place shredded pork back into the Instant Pot until ready to serve.
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2 thoughts on “Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork + VIDEO”
This was GOOD!
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!