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The best slow cooker pulled pork is made with deliciously seasoned pork shoulder cooked low and slow. This juicy, mouthwatering pulled pork will satisfy any crowd! So much flavor, so little effort.
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Why you'll love this pulled pork recipe
- Budget-friendly: Pork shoulder is an affordable cut, so it's perfect when making large quantities.
- Easy prep, set it, forget it: Season the meat, set the slow cooker, and you get a delicious, miracle meal, just like my slow cooked whole chicken.
- Tender, juicy, and flavorful: The method of slow-cooking pork shoulder melts the fat and collagen, resulting in a succulent protein that falls apart when pulled.
- Crowd-pleaser: Make large batches for gatherings with minimal effort and watch it disappear!
- Versatile for various dishes: Pulled pork can be used in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.
- Comfort food: There's nothing more comforting than tender, juicy, slow-cooked pulled pork.
This pulled pork recipe makes the best BBQ pork sliders, especially on game day! They're even better served alongside smashed potatoes during the baking season or creamy cucumber salad during the summer!
Ingredients you'll need
- Pork shoulder or pork butt - Look for pork butt, also called Boston butt, or pork shoulder, also known as picnic shoulder. These cuts contain ample connective tissue and fat marbling, which requires long, slow cooking for tender and flavorful results. Boneless cuts may be available at your grocer, but they are likely more expensive.
- Chili powder - Use chipotle powder for spicy pulled pork.
- Garlic powder
- Salt - Use Kosher salt or sea salt.
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil - A high-heat oil is needed to sear the pork shoulder before slow cooking.
- Chicken broth - Or preferred cooking liquid.
How to make pulled pork in a slow cooker
First, pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Cut the mass into smaller pieces for easier handling and trim excess fat, if desired. Then, season the pork on all sides.
Next, I prefer to sear pork shoulder before adding it to the slow cooker because it adds even more umami flavor to pulled pork. You can skip this step and move straight to the slow cooker instructions.
Once seared, transfer it from the skillet into the cooker, along with most of the broth. Use the remaining broth to deglaze the skillet, then add this liquid gold to the cooker.
Slow-cook the pork shoulder for 6 to 8 hours. It should be fall-apart tender and easy to shred. You can shred it right in the slow cooker or a serving dish, as I did in the photo below.
Recipe tips
- This slow cooker method is ideal for pork butt or pork shoulder since both are marbled with fat that transforms into collagen during the long, gentle cooking cycle. This is what makes it juicy and delectable.
- I find that it's easier to remove extra fat from the pork surface before cooking, which makes serving pulled pork even more convenient.
- After seasoning the pork shoulder, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking for convenience and flavor enhancement.
- Resist the urge to use a high heat setting on your slow cooker. Low and slow cooking softens the connective tissue for tender, juicy pulled pork. Instant Pot pulled pork takes under two hours if you need a quicker method.
- You don't have to shift or turn the pork shoulder during cooking. Set it and forget it!
- The "keep warm" setting on the Crockpot is the perfect environment to hold and serve your shredded pork for several hours.
How to serve slow cooker pulled pork
Pulled pork is so versatile. Enjoy it piled high on hamburger buns with coleslaw and this scrumptious BBQ sauce. Or use it for tacos, pulled pork nachos, totchos, burritos, or even on pizza! Serve pulled pork as an entree with these delicious sides:
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Baked Potato Salad Recipe
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Macaroni Salad
📖 Recipe
The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
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When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Pork Shoulder or Butt (boneless or bone-in), netting removed
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder (not chile powder)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 3 cups Chicken Broth, or other cooking liquid
Instructions
- Prep: Pat PORK SHOULDER dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Trim excess fat, if desired. You may wish to cut it into smaller chunks for easier handling, but it's not required.
- Pork seasoning: Whisk together CHILI POWDER, GARLIC POWDER, SALT, and PEPPER in a mixing bowl. Season the pork shoulder to coat all sides evenly.
- Searing (optional step): Heat OIL in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer pork out of the skillet. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth and add this to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook the pork: Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker with the CHICKEN BROTH. Cover the cooker and set it on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Knowing when it's done: Pork shoulder will fall apart easily and register a minimum internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serving: You can shred the pork right in the slow cooker. Or transfer it to a serving dish, shred, and ladle juices over it or toss it in homemade BBQ sauce.Serve pulled pork over sandwich buns with your favorite toppings or as an entree with your favorite sides.
- Storing: Cool the pork completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or 30 days in the freezer (or longer if vacuum sealed).
Recipe Notes
- This slow cooker recipe is ideal for pork butt or pork shoulder since both are marbled with fat that transforms into collagen during the long, gentle cooking cycle. This is what makes it juicy and delectable.
- I find that it's easier to remove extra fat from the pork surface before cooking, which makes serving pulled pork even more convenient.
- After seasoning the pork, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking for convenience and flavor enhancement.
- Resist the temptation to use a high setting on your slow cooker. Low and slow cooking softens the connective tissue for tender, juicy pulled pork.
- You don't have to shift or turn the pork during cooking. Set it and forget it!
- To keep pulled pork warm, leave it in the cooker for an extended period in the "keep warm" setting.
Equipment
- meat shredders or forks or tongs
- serving utensil
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
This pulled pork slow cooker recipe is ideal for pork butt or pork shoulder since both are marbled with fat that transforms into collagen during the long, gentle cooking cycle. This is what makes it juicy and delectable.
Searing isn't required, but doing so adds significant umami flavor to your pulled pork. It also smells fantastic! You'll find easy searing instructions included in this pulled pork recipe.
Pork butt (or shoulder) is best enjoyed after it reaches an internal temperature between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This braising environment breaks down the fat and connective tissue, creating juicy, tender meat.
Carol Walker says
Thanks so much for this recipe!
I made my first ever pulled pork and it was delish!
Happy New Year!
Traci says
Yay!!! I'm so glad you went for it! Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know! Happy New Year to you too!
Heather Jackson says
This recipe makes the most amazing pulled pork. I've made it probably half a dozen times and it's perfect every time. It's delicious and perfect for Keto. I normally start with an 8 to 9 pound pork butt roast and serve it with coleslaw and homemade pickled red onions and/or refrigerator pickles. Thank you for sharing this perfect recipe!
Traci says
Awesome! I'm so glad my recipe made its way into your hands. Sounds like you love it as much as we do and I really appreciate knowing that! Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy!
J Allen says
Gosh I can't wait until we make this one again! It's fall-apart deliciousness and soooo good with your BBQ sauce on your sliders. Great combo! Love how this things cooks itself all day ... low and slow perfection.
Jenn says
Boy, I can really dig in to this recipe! It's sooo meaty and flavorful, and the smell while it is cooking is soooo amazing! It's worth the wait - delish!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Jenn...so glad to hear it! I agree too that pulled pork does make the whole house smell amazing 🙂 Thanks!
Sara Welch says
Adding this to my dinner line up for the week! Looks too good to pass up; yum!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay! So glad you can enjoy this 🙂 Thanks!
Beth says
This looks amazing! My family is going to love this recipe! So excited to make this soon!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! Pulled pork for the whole family ... this is the right recipe for that! Enjoy!!
Dannii says
It has to be slow cooker when it comes to pulled pork. Yours looks delicious.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awww thanks so much! Love hearing the compliment. Yep, we're all over that slow cooker method 🙂
Jessica Formicola says
We love pulled pork! We will definitely be making this for the super bowl and using it to make nachos!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes! Exactly as is should be lol 🙂 This pulled pork is so good on nachos. Glad you can enjoy it...thanks!