slow-cooker BBQ pulled pork

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Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork: A Tender, Flavor-Packed Southern Classic

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a plate of slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork — juicy, smoky, and smothered in rich barbecue sauce. This dish captures the essence of Southern-style comfort food, made simple with the help of a slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor — perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prepping for the week.

Below, you’ll find a complete, step-by-step guide to making tender and flavorful slow-cooker BBQ pulled pork right in your own kitchen.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this irresistible dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 3–4 pounds (1.3–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (or pork butt) — trimmed of excess fat
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Optional for serving:

• Soft hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• Coleslaw
• Pickles

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by patting your pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps the seasonings stick better. Trim off any large chunks of fat, but leave some marbling for tenderness and flavor.

In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub this spice blend all over the pork until it’s well coated. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a flavorful bed for the pork and keeps it moist as it cooks.

In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir until smooth — this mixture will be the cooking liquid that infuses your pork with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions and pour the BBQ mixture over it. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

• Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or
• Cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours

The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and easily falls apart. The low-and-slow method ensures deep flavor development and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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