Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork is the perfect dish for those who love a little heat with their savory meals. This recipe combines the deep, smoky flavors of chipotle with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of slow-cooked pork. It's ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork

The star of the show is the pork shoulder, known for its rich marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Chipotle powder and smoked paprika team up to bring a smoky kick that's hard to resist. Ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder round out the spice mix, enhancing the savory depth. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar. Worcestershire sauce and barbecue sauce imbue the pork with a savory-sweet umami flavor, and a bit of chicken broth ensures the meat stays juicy. Onion and minced garlic infuse the dish with aromatic richness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra smoky flavor, try searing the pork shoulder on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle powder.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to at least 195°F for optimal shredding.

Serving Suggestions

Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork is incredibly versatile. Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich. It's also delicious in tacos with fresh cilantro and lime, or over a bed of rice with some black beans and avocado for a hearty bowl meal. Consider pairing with a crisp, tangy coleslaw or a fresh corn salad for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, pork butt or boston butt are great alternatives if pork shoulder is unavailable.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 1 hour, then let it naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before shredding.

Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing your spices. In a small bowl, combine the chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything's evenly distributed.

Massage this spice blend all over your pork shoulder. Really get in there—this is where the flavor magic starts. Once the meat is thoroughly coated, set it aside for a moment.

Next, place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. Add the Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. Toss in the onion slices and minced garlic, making sure they’re evenly distributed around the pork.

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Now, forget about it for 8 to 10 hours. Seriously, go about your day—this dish is great because it takes care of itself.

Once the time is up, check the pork. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart when you prod it with a fork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bone you might find.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the juices. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to let all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Great for gatherings or as a weeknight meal.
  • Versatile—use it in tacos, sandwiches, or on its own.
  • Freezes well for future meals.

Ingredients

5 lbs pork shoulder
2 tbsp chipotle powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, massaging it into the meat.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, onion slices, and minced garlic.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bone.
6. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with juices. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

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