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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Perfect BBQ Sandwiches

Close-up of a delicious sandwich overflowing with saucy slow cooker pulled pork on a toasted bun.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple set and forget slow cooker pork shoulder recipe. It is great for meal prep and freezer friendly dinners.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create your dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this liquid mixture around the pork in the slow cooker.
  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 fork-tender.
  7. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  8. Use two forks to shred the pork completely. This should be easy if it cooked long enough.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour about half of the remaining cooking liquid (drain off excess fat first) and 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the meat. Stir to combine.
  10. Cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to let the meat absorb the flavor.
  11. Serve hot on buns for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or use for meal prep meats. Add more BBQ sauce to taste before serving.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, look for a pork shoulder with good marbling.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork after shredding and let the remaining liquid simmer on the stove until reduced.
  • This crockpot pulled pork freezes very well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.

Nutrition

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