My slow cooker pulled pork comes out perfectly tender and ready to serve every time! Plus, it takes mininum prep work so you can spend more time with the family.
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Tender and Juicy Crock Pot Pulled Pork
I absolutely love dump and cook Crock Pot recipes and this slow cooker pulled pork is no different.
My kids love when we’re having this for dinner because they know they get extra play time with me after school instead of watching me cook in the kitchen for an hour. Plus, they love putting together their own pulled pork sandwiches.
It’s honestly so easy that I prep it in just 5 minutes in the morning and it’s all ready when I’m done working for the day!
And, if you love pulled pork, try my oven baked pulled pork, Instant Pot pulled pork, and Ninja Foodi pulled pork for more ways to make it. And don’t forget to add the BBQ sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe
- Full of flavor
- Uses minimal ingredients
- Perfect for barbecues or potlucks
- Use it in a variety of other dishes
- Family-friendly, kid-approved, and an all-around crowd-pleaser!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ingredients
- Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt Roast
- Onion – sliced
- Chicken Broth
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Brown Sugar
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Pulled Pork in Crock Pot
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Place the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix to create your homemade spice rub. Apply it to the pork, making sure it’s evenly coated.
STEP TWO: Add the seasoned pork to the bottom of your slow cooker and cover with the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sliced onions.
STEP THREE: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is tender and ready to be “pulled.” The internal temperature should be 190 degrees F.
STEP FOUR: Shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using two forks. When you’re done, remove it from the crockpot.
STEP FIVE: To make the optional sauce, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium for about 10-15 minutes. When the sauce reduces and thickens, pour it over the pulled pork before serving.
Tips for Making Crockpot Pulled Pork
- Start with the right cut of meat. I’m using boneless pork shoulder butt roast — yes, it’s a mouthful, but it does, in fact, refer to a cut taken from the shoulder area. It’s well-marbled with fat, making it ideal for low-and-slow cooking like this slow cooker pulled pork! That extra fat keeps everything moist and tender.
- A higher internal temperature will give you more tender results. Pork is technically safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I suggest slow-cooking yours to 190 degrees for the most tender and juicy results possible. It’s worth the extra time!
- Don’t sneak a peek! You may be tempted to check in on the progress of your pulled pork crock pot recipe, but it’s important to leave it as it cooks. Every time you lift up the lid, heat escapes, prolonging the cooking process.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
I usually make my pulled pork recipe in a slow cooker for sandwiches, sliders, pork tacos, and my favorite — pulled pork mac and cheese!
I love serving it alongside coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, or some salad for a full dinner.
How to Store Leftover Crock Pot Pulled Pork
To store leftover slow cooker pulled pork, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Use your microwave to reheat single servings in 30-second bursts, or heat larger portions in a saucepan over medium on the stove until warmed through. For crispy edges, warm it in the oven!
What to Do with Leftover Crockpot Pulled Pork
I love having leftover pulled pork! It reheats up nice and tender and I can add it to things like tacos, pizza, quesadillas, nachos, baked potatoes, or mac and cheese for an entirely new dinner with little effort.
Pulled Pork Recipe Slow Cooker FAQs
What is the best cut of pork for slow cooker pulled pork?
The best cut of pork for slow cooked pulled pork is the boneless pork shoulder butt roast.
Also known as pork butt, it’s marbled with fat that yields tender, flavorful meat when you cook it low and slow. The higher fat content keeps the meat moist and will give you the most succulent results every time.
Can you leave pulled pork in slow cooker too long?
Leaving pulled pork in the slow cooker for too long will result in overcooked and mushy meat. While slow cookers and crockpots are designed to cook food for longer periods, don’t leave it for longer than about 6.5 hours.
Remember: every slow cooker is different so you may need to adjust the cooking time — start checking on the pork after 6 hours to prevent overcooking.
Should you flip pulled pork in slow cooker?
No, you don’t need to flip pulled pork in the crock pot. Its design ensures even cooking without the need for flipping — in fact, opening the lid will prolong the cooking process and let all of that good moisture out.
Once it’s in the crockpot, don’t touch it!
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Equipment
- my favorite slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4.21 pounds boneless pork shoulder or, butt roast
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup onion sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub the homemade spice rub all over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned pork in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and diced onions into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 190 degrees F for optimal tenderness.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into smaller pieces. Carefully remove the shredded pork from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter or in a bowl.
Notes
- If desired, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens. Drizzle the reduced sauce over the pulled pork if desired.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
