Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in, this Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork has you covered. It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and delivers tender, flavorful meat every time.

Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

The star of this dish is the pork shoulder, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. The BBQ sauce brings sweetness and tanginess, while the chicken broth keeps the meat moist. The apple cider vinegar adds acidity, balancing the sweetness. Brown sugar enhances the caramelization process. For the spice rub, smoked paprika provides a hint of smokiness, garlic powder and onion powder add depth, salt and black pepper bring out the flavors, and a touch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • If short on time, you can cook on high for 4-6 hours, but low and slow is the way to go for the best tenderness.
  • For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • Don't lift the lid while cooking; it can add additional cooking time and tamper with the temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pulled pork with classic sides like baked beans or cornbread. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of the sauce. You can also try it in tacos or as a pizza topping for something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, pork butt or even pork loin can work in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeΓ±os to the sauce for extra heat.

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making a spice rub. In a small bowl, combine your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix them well, and then rub this flavorful blend all over your pork shoulder. Be sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

Next, place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker. In another bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this delicious concoction over the pork, ensuring it's well-coated.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 8-10 hours. You'll know it's ready when the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Now, you're ready to serve it up on some buns, topped with a refreshing coleslaw for that perfect crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal active cooking time.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with a hint of smokiness and spice.
  • Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for parties or meal prep.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various sides and toppings.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder
2 cups BBQ sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Buns, for serving
Coleslaw, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
7. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
9. Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw.

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