Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce

There’s just something about pulled pork that makes a meal feel special — even if it’s a regular ol’ Tuesday. Maybe it’s the way the smell fills the kitchen by lunchtime, or maybe it’s the memories it stirs up of long summer days, bare feet on the grass, and family gathered around the picnic table, laughing while paper plates piled high with food wobble in our hands.

This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is my little nod to those moments. It’s unfussy, full of flavor, and the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table — whether you’re feeding a big family or just want leftovers that’ll make your week so much easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy – Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting

• Great for gatherings – Makes plenty and feeds a crowd

• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for making ahead

• Big flavor, minimal ingredients – No fancy steps, just real good food

• Versatile – Sandwiches, sliders, bowls… oh my!

Ingredients

Serves 8, or fewer with lots of happy leftovers

• 1 (4–5 lb) pork shoulder or pork butt

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving (because you know folks will ask)

How to Make It (Hands-Off and Heavenly)

1. Mix your rub:
In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Nothing fancy, just good flavor.

2. Give that pork some love:
Rub the seasoning all over your pork shoulder — really get it into every nook and cranny. This is where the flavor magic starts.

3. Into the slow cooker:
Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth around it (not directly on top — we want to keep that rub where it belongs!).

4. Let it cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or until the pork is falling-apart tender. Your house will smell like heaven.

5. Shred and sauce it:
Take the pork out and shred it with two forks. Discard any big pieces of fat. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce — sweet, smoky, spicy… whatever you love.

6. Serve it up:
Piled high on buns, scooped over rice, or eaten straight from the pot with a fork (no judgment here).

What to Serve With It

You know I love a full plate. Here are some favorite sides:

• Creamy coleslaw – either on the side or right on top of the sandwich

• Buttery cornbread – sweet or savory, both are winners

• Potato salad – the classic Midwestern potluck must

• Baked beans – rich and smoky, just like the pork

• Pickles – because you always need a little zing

• And don’t forget a tall glass of iced sweet tea or lemonade

Variations & Tips

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the rub

• Sweet & smoky: Mix a little brown sugar and a dash of liquid smoke into the broth

• Switch up the sauce: Go Carolina-style with mustard BBQ or Kansas City sweet ‘n’ sticky

• Leftovers? Oh yes. Turn them into tacos, quesadillas, or even breakfast hash with eggs the next day

• Freezer tip: Let it cool completely and freeze in meal-sized portions with extra sauce

From My Kitchen to Yours

This is the kind of recipe that makes a house feel like a home. It’s simple, it’s soul-warming, and it brings folks together. Whether you’re serving it up at a summer cookout or just cozying up on a chilly evening, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug — and we could all use more of those.

Let me know if you give it a try — I’d love to hear if it made it to your family table ❤️

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. It’s seasoned with a simple homemade spice rub, slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, then finished with your favorite barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or loaded baked potatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Game Day, Main Dish, Sandwiches, Slow Cooker

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8

Calories 490 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pork shoulder or pork butt 4–5 pounds
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated.
• Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth around it.
• Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
• Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
• Stir in 1 cup of barbecue sauce, mixing well to coat the pork.
• Serve the pulled pork on buns with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

Try serving this pulled pork on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw for added crunch. Leftovers make great tacos, quesadillas, or nacho toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcal

Keyword BBQ, easy dinner, pork shoulder, pulled pork, slow cooker

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