Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce: Set It, Forget It, and Savor It

Step 4: Add the Pork and Liquid

Lay the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) along with apple cider vinegar. Cover with the lid.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 8–10 hours (or high for 5–6 hours). Cooking slowly at low heat is the key to achieving fork-tender pork that shreds easily.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

Once cooked, carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Remove any large pieces of fat.

Step 7: Add the BBQ Sauce

Discard most of the cooking liquid, but leave about half a cup for moisture. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in your favorite BBQ sauce. Let it cook on low for another 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Pile the pork onto soft buns, top with coleslaw, and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
• Pulled Pork Tacos – Use tortillas, add fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pulled Pork Nachos – Layer tortilla chips with pork, cheese, jalapeños, and bake until melted.
• Pulled Pork Bowls – Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (or butt) is the best choice—don’t use lean cuts like tenderloin, as they’ll turn dry.
• Don’t skip the resting step: After shredding, let the pork simmer in the sauce. This extra step ensures the meat absorbs every bit of flavor.
• Make it ahead: Pulled pork actually tastes better the next day after resting in the fridge. Simply reheat with a splash of broth or sauce.
• Freezer-friendly: Portion leftovers into airtight containers, freeze, and enjoy for quick meals later.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker pulled pork with BBQ sauce is the ultimate example of low-effort, high-reward cooking. With just a few pantry staples and a good cut of pork, you can create a dish that’s tender, smoky, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, a backyard cookout, or a casual game-day gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So go ahead—set it, forget it, and savor every bite!

Would you like me to also create a homemade BBQ sauce recipe to include with this article, so it’s completely from scratch?