Pulled pork is one of those dishes that never gets old. It’s juicy, rich, and packed with smoky, savory goodness that melts in your mouth. The slow cooker makes it ridiculously simple—just season, set, and forget. No need to babysit a smoker or fire up the grill.
The best part? This pulled pork is versatile. Pile it onto sandwiches, serve it over rice, or use it in tacos, nachos, or even loaded baked potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker pulled pork delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This pulled pork is fall-apart tender with deep, rich flavor in every bite.
Slow cooking allows the meat to break down gradually, keeping it juicy and infused with seasoning.
The end result? A dish that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly shredded.
- Perfectly Tender Meat – The low, slow heat ensures the pork is soft enough to pull apart with a fork.
- Bold, Smoky Flavor – A mix of spices and liquid infuses the pork with deep, smoky richness.
- No Oven or Grill Needed – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time do the work.
- Great for Leftovers – Pulled pork reheats beautifully and can be used in multiple meals.
- Customizable – Change up the spices, add a sauce, or go for a classic BBQ finish.
The Secret to Juicy Pulled Pork
The difference between good pulled pork and great pulled pork comes down to a few simple techniques. Choosing the right cut of meat, seasoning properly, and letting it cook low and slow are key.
- Use Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt – These cuts have enough fat to stay juicy and shred easily.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning – A dry rub with paprika, garlic, and brown sugar enhances the flavor.
- Low and Slow is Best – Cooking on LOW for 8-10 hours ensures perfect texture.
- Add a Liquid for Moisture – A bit of broth, apple cider vinegar, or even cola keeps the pork tender.
- Let it Rest Before Shredding – This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat from drying out.
Key Ingredients for the Best Pulled Pork
This recipe is made with simple ingredients that create incredible depth of flavor.
- Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt) – The best cut for juicy, shreddable meat.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
- Paprika – A touch of smokiness enhances the depth of the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential for that bold, savory taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps tenderize the meat while adding a subtle tang.
- Chicken Broth (or Cola) – Keeps the pork moist while cooking.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This foolproof method guarantees flavorful, tender pork every time.
- Season the Meat – Rub brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt all over the pork.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker – Place the pork in the slow cooker and add broth or apple cider vinegar for moisture.
- Slow Cook to Perfection – Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork – Remove the meat, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
- Mix with Juices & Serve – Return the pork to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful juices before serving.
The result? Soft, juicy pulled pork that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
Best Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any meal. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
| Serving Style | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pulled Pork Sandwiches | Classic and satisfying, especially with coleslaw. |
| Tacos | Load up corn tortillas with pork, avocado, and pickled onions. |
| Loaded Baked Potatoes | A hearty, comforting meal with cheese and sour cream. |
| Pulled Pork Nachos | Crispy chips topped with melted cheese and smoky pork. |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls | Serve over rice with roasted veggies for a full meal. |
| Pulled Pork Quesadillas | Crispy tortillas filled with gooey cheese and juicy pork. |
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Pulled pork tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.
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How to Store Pulled Pork
- Let the pork cool before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How to Add More Flavor to Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is delicious on its own, but a few small additions can take it to the next level.
- For a BBQ-style finish, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce after shredding.
- Want more smokiness? Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
- Like it spicy? Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- For crispy edges, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork shoulder (or pork butt) works best, but pork loin can be used for a leaner option—just reduce the cooking time.
2. Do I need to sear the pork before slow cooking?
No, but searing the pork first adds an extra layer of flavor. If you have time, it’s worth doing!
3. Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?
Yes! Pulled pork reheats beautifully and actually develops deeper flavor the next day.
4. Should I drain the liquid after cooking?
No! Mixing the shredded pork back into the juices keeps it moist and flavorful.
5. How do I keep pulled pork from drying out?
If reheating, add a little broth or BBQ sauce to keep the meat juicy.
This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward recipe. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a backyard BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, it delivers bold flavor with every bite!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For cooking the pork low and slow
- Mixing Bowl For combining the spice rub
- Forks or Meat Claws For shredding the pork
Ingredients
- 4 pound pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the juices for added flavor.
- Serve on buns, over rice, or in tacos, drizzling extra sauce as desired.
Notes
- For crispy edges, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!