Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This BBQ pulled pork recipe is marinated in a homemade dry rub and slow cooked in barbecue sauce, onions, garlic, and a touch of whiskey for the ultimate tender and juicy comfort food! Eat this BBQ pork recipe as a sandwich, by itself, or even with a side of coleslaw – you’ll be hooked at first bite!

For more pork recipes, try this delicious Slow Cooker Pork Roast, Pork Marbella for a fancy dinner or Shake n Bake Pork Chops for something quick, easy, and delish!

BBQ pulled pork is one of those classic dishes that everyone loves. Pulled pork recipes are one of those “old faithful” recipes that you can make and enjoy fresh out of the pot and then pack it up and have for the rest of the week. (The leftovers are always better!)

You can braise it, slow cook it, and even make this recipe in an instant pot. However you decide to prepare this dish, I can personally attest that this recipe is the BEST.

Why this recipe is the BEST

• For starters, it’s super easy to make! Literally, you can make this recipe is three basic steps – season and sear, slow cook, and then shred!
• The seasoning blend for this recipe is the best pulled pork marinade! It’s beyond delicious. You’ll want to marinate all of your meats in! It’s a combination of garlic, onion, and chili powder with some red pepper flakes and ground mustard… add a little coriander and a pinch of cayenne pepper – it’s a party.
• You can easily make this recipe in your slow cooker (my favorite method), instant pot, or even braise in the oven or on the stove!
• This pulled pork recipe goes with soooo many different sides and is truly a crowd pleaser! It’s also a great recipe for birthday parties, get togethers, cookouts (especially in the summer because you don’t have to turn on your oven!), Memorial Day, Labor Day – the list goes on!

Dry Rub and Braising Liquid Ingredients

The dry rub ingredients are the basis of the flavor. My dry rub includes:

• garlic powder
• onion powder
• chili powder
• red pepper flakes
• ground mustard
• ground coriander
• cayenne pepper

The braising liquid is critical as this is the liquid that the pork shoulder is cooked in! For the braising liquid, you’ll need:

• your favorite BBQ sauce
• apple cider vinegar
• hot sauce
• whiskey bourbon
• liquid smoke
• Honey

How to make pulled pork (so easy)

SEASON AND SEAR

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, coriander, and cayenne in a small bowl to make the dry rub. I like using these seasonings because they add a little smoky flavor with a tiny bit of spiciness and a zing!

Coat the pork shoulder in seasonings, liberally. TIP: for the maximum flavor, leave the meat on a cooking rack in the refrigerator for 24 hours to dry brine. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Add olive oil and butter to a large skillet and sear the pork on all sides. This helps to maximize and lock in all of that flavor by caramelizing and forming a crust on the meat.

ADD TO SLOW COOKER

Mix together apple cider vinegar, whiskey, liquid smoke, your favorite bbq sauce, honey, hot sauce, and beef broth in the slow cooker. The whiskey adds subtle caramel notes with pairs really with the liquid smoke and tart apple cider vinegar! I also used honey and hot sauce to balance out all of the smoky flavors for a semi sweet and savory punch to each bite!

Once everything is mixed together, add the meat, onions, and diced garlic, secure the lid and cook on low for 8 hours.

SHRED THE PORK

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and add to a large plate or baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the pork pulling the meat apart. Enjoy as a sandwich, with mashed potatoes and veggies, on top of nachos, or even by itself.

Tips for making bbq pulled pork

• don’t be afraid to really pile on the seasoning! Sometimes less is more but this is NOT one of those times.
• allowing the pork to dry brine in the refrigerator makes a world of a difference! If you have time, salt and add the seasonings to the pork and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor really penetrates the meat and gives the pulled pork SO much flavor!
• save the sauce and store the meat in its own juices. This really allows the flavors to come together so well.

Other Cooking Methods

I highly recommend the slow cooker as it’s my favorite method. With the slow cooker, all you have to do is press a few buttons, cover with a lid, and go about your business! Then you look up and it’s done!

However, if you dont have a slow cooker, you can also use an instant pot or braise on the stove top or oven. More details below in the recipe card!

FAQs

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Absolutely! Place pulled pork into an airtight container or vacuum seal in a plastic bag and freeze for up to 4 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it out in the refrigerator and then heat in the microwave or stove top.

How to reheat pulled pork?

You can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave until warmed or even heat on the stove with a splash of water.

Also, there’s a Lunch Crockpot that you can use that’s amazing! It’s literally a small portable crockpot that you can take on the go! If you want to go on a picnic or take it to work and warm at your desk, it’s the perfect way to reheat your food without drying it out!

What to serve with pulled pork?

The options are limitless. I love making this bbq pulled pork recipe into sandwiches and serving them with potato chips or french fries, however you can also serve it with baked beans with ground beef, coleslaw, baked mac and cheese or stovetop mac and cheese, a salad, cheddar cheese chive biscuits, or even spaghetti squash and other veggies!

More Recipes!

• Smothered Pork Chops
• Peanut Curry Braised Ribs
• Crockpot French Onion Chicken
• Smoked Pork Butt
• Beef Osso Buco Recipe
• Balsamic Braised Beef with Pears
• Chipotle Pulled Pork Nachos

This blog post and recipe were made in partnership with CrockPot! I received compensation in exchange for this work. My opinions on their products are genuine. Thanks for your continued support!