Description
This easy slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe delivers fall-apart tender, smoky, and sweet-and-savory flavor with minimal effort. It is a high-protein, naturally gluten-free meal perfect for busy families and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky variety)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Trim excess hard fat from the pork shoulder to about a quarter-inch thickness and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to create a dry rub.
- Sprinkle the rub generously over all sides of the pork shoulder and rub it in with your hands.
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker insert and pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 205°F and the meat shreds easily.
- Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
- Shred the pork using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and stir gently to coat.
- Let the pork sit on low for another 30 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
Notes
Do not open the lid too often during cooking to maintain heat. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes to reduce. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. For a low-carb option, omit brown sugar and use sugar-free BBQ sauce. Pork loin is not recommended as it can become dry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serve on toasted bri
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, BBQ pork, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, high protein, pork shoulder, comfort food