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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Tender BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of tender, shredded Slow cooker pulled pork generously topped with rich, dark BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget dinners recipe is perfect for easy meal prep meats and family barbecue.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onion on the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper to create the rub.
  3. Rub the spice mix evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the meat.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  8. Shred the pork using two forks.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into the pot, along with 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat.
  10. Cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  11. Serve your crockpot pulled pork hot on hamburger buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Notes

  • For the best results, use a pork shoulder (Boston butt) with some marbling; this keeps the meat moist during the long cook time.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork, drain most of the liquid, and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it reduces slightly before mixing it back in with the BBQ sauce.
  • This recipe is freezer friendly dinners approved; cool leftovers completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/