Name: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 14 h 20 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 5-7 pound pork butt or pork shoulder, leave the fat cap on; 3 tablespoons olive oil, for rubbing on meat; 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional, for rubbing on meat; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for searing, more as necessary; 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 and 1/2 teaspoons table salt); 2 teaspoons black pepper; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; Barbecue sauce, homemade or store bought; Brioche hamburger buns, if making sandwiches; Butter, softened; Coleslaw (herby lemony style recommended)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy pork effortlessly shredding apart, then this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is unbelievably easy to pull off — no fuss, just pure comfort. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or gearing up to impress a crowd, stick around because this is fan-freaking-tastic pulled pork made in your slow cooker!

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Why This Recipe Works

Fat and Flavor Balance: Using a pork butt with its fat cap creates beautifully moist pulled pork that doesn’t dry out in the slow cooker.
Layered Spice Rub: A blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy spices infuse the meat without overpowering it – making every bite complex and satisfying.
Searing Before Slow Cooking: Browning the pork adds delicious caramelized flavor and a gorgeous crust that packs that “wow” factor.
Low and Slow Cooking: The slow cooker tenderizes the pork to fall-apart perfection without you needing to babysit it all day.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Pulled Pork recipe, tender slow cooker pork, easy pork dinner, homemade pulled pork - A close-up image of shredded cooked meat with dark brown edges and lighter brown inside, placed inside a black slow cooker. The meat is covered with red sauce drizzled unevenly over the top. A silver fork and silver tongs are partially visible inside the slow cooker, placed on the left and right sides of the meat. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one layers flavor and texture for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Choosing quality meat and freshly ground spices can make a surprising difference!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Pulled Pork recipe, tender slow cooker pork, easy pork dinner, homemade pulled pork - Flat lay of a large raw pork shoulder with visible fat cap, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of off-white onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of bright reddish cayenne pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of muted yellow dry mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl of packed dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear liquid smoke, a small white ceramic bowl of light yellow vegetable oil, and three whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pork butt or pork shoulder: Look for a well-marbled piece with a good fat cap – that fat keeps the meat juicy during the long cook.
Olive oil: Helps the spice rub cling better and adds a subtle richness.
Liquid smoke (optional): Gives you that smoky barbecue vibe without needing a smoker or grill.
Vegetable oil: For searing – its neutral taste and high smoke point are ideal.
Spice rub ingredients: Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, dry mustard, and brown sugar all mingle beautifully to bring sweet, heat, earthiness, and smokiness.
BBQ sauce: Either homemade or store-bought, this adds saucy tang at serving time, letting you customize the flavor intensity.
Brioche buns and coleslaw: Soft buns and fresh, herby coleslaw brighten the rich pork making sandwiches feel like a celebration.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary preferences. Over time, I’ve played around with the spice ratios and even swapped out the pork for other meats – and I love encouraging you to do the same!

Variation: If you like a sweeter pulled pork, try adding a bit more brown sugar to the rub or topping it with a honey-mustard BBQ sauce. I did this for a family cookout and got rave reviews!
Smoky Heat: Boost the cayenne or add chipotle powder if you’re craving a deeper smoky chili kick. Just start small so it doesn’t overpower.
Make it healthier: Serve the pulled pork on lettuce wraps or over roasted veggies instead of buns for a low-carb spin.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Step 1: Choose and Prep the Pork

I always go for a pork butt with a nice layer of fat. It’s key for flavorful, tender results. After patting it dry with paper towels, I rub in olive oil and a bit of liquid smoke (if you love that smoky note like I do). Then comes the star: the spice rub. Massage most of it into every nook of the pork, place it in a ziplock bag, and pop it into the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight if you have time. This step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sear for Deep Flavor

Before the slow cooker, I heat up some vegetable oil in a dry skillet until shimmering hot. Searing the pork on all sides locks in flavor and creates those mouthwatering browned bits that’ll make your kitchen smell divine. Don’t rush this part – about 2 minutes per side or until beautifully golden.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Place the pork in your slow cooker, cover it, and set to low heat. If you cut the pork in half ahead of time (which I often do to speed things up), it’ll take about 6-8 hours; if left whole, 8-10 hours is more likely. The most important thing? Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of about 200°F. This ensures you get that perfectly shred-ready pork without drying it out.

Step 4: Rest and Shred

After slow cooking, let the pork rest for about 5 minutes with foil loosely tented. Then grab two forks and gently shred it apart. Some folks toss out all the fat, but I always keep some of that slow-cooked fat in because, trust me, it’s flavor gold. Toss the shredded pork back in the slow cooker with the juices to soak up all that deliciousness.

Step 5: Sauce It Up and Serve

Add a cup or two of your favorite BBQ sauce right in or serve it on the side to let everyone customize. From sloppy sandwiches to toppings for baked potatoes or nachos, this pork plays well in many dishes.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Patting Dry: Always dry the pork before adding oil and spices. It helps the rub stick better and aids browning during searing.
Don’t Skip Searing: That short sear creates a flavor boost that slow cooking alone can’t match.
Watch Your Thermometer: Set a timer to check toward the end to avoid overcooking – tempted to just leave it? Trust me, your pork will thank you.
Keep Some Fat: Don’t remove all the fat when shredding. A little rich pork fat folded back in keeps every bite juicy and delicious.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Pulled Pork recipe, tender slow cooker pork, easy pork dinner, homemade pulled pork - A sandwich with three main layers: the top is a shiny, golden brown bun with a soft texture; the middle layer is pulled meat with charred edges covered in a glossy, dark reddish-brown sauce, adding shine and moisture; the bottom layer is the other half of the bun, also golden brown and soft. The sandwich sits on a white scalloped plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. There are small drops of the dark sauce visible around the plate, adding interest to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my pulled pork with a generous scoop of tangy, crunchy coleslaw—it adds a perfect balance of creaminess and brightness against the rich meat. Fresh chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions also jazz things up if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it classic: baked beans, cornbread, or smoky mac and cheese. They all pair beautifully with the tender pulled pork for a true Southern-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Throw a pulled pork taco night using soft corn tortillas, fresh pineapple salsa, and a drizzle of crema. Or layer the pork over nachos with cheese, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime — perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay juicy and flavorful for up to 5 days. I usually leave them in their own cooking juices to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Frozen pulled pork is a lifesaver! I portion it out into ziplock bags, sometimes mixing in BBQ sauce ahead of freezing. It keeps well for 4-6 months, so you can enjoy this recipe anytime you want a quick meal fix.

Reheating

When reheating, I sprinkle a bit of water or broth over the meat and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Warming it slowly in the oven at 300°F works better than microwave blasts for retaining texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this slow cooker pulled pork recipe?

While pork butt or shoulder is best due to their fat content and connective tissue, you can use other cuts like pork picnic roast. However, leaner cuts may end up drier since they lack enough fat and collagen to break down during slow cooking.
Do I have to sear the pork before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing isn’t absolutely required, but I highly recommend it. It develops rich flavors and a beautiful crust that you won’t get from slow cooking alone. It’s a simple step that elevates the entire dish.
How long can pulled pork stay in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your pulled pork will keep well for 4 to 5 days. Always smell and check for any spoilage before eating.
Can I add BBQ sauce before slow cooking?

I prefer adding BBQ sauce after shredding the pork so I can control the sauciness and flavor intensity. Cooking with sauce in the slow cooker can dilute its taste and sometimes make it too watery.
What if my pork isn’t shredding easily after cooking?

If your pork isn’t shredding smoothly, it might need more time to break down. Make sure it reached that ideal 195-200°F internal temperature, as collagen breakdown happens around this range. Let the meat rest to redistribute juices before shredding.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe is a treasure for any home cook looking to create something comforting yet impressive with minimal stress. I’ve made this dish countless times for friends and family, and every time it brings smiles and seconds. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, you’ll go back time and again. So grab your slow cooker, follow these steps, and treat yourself to the kind of pulled pork you’ll be bragging about.