Tonight's dinner just got way easier! This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is a simple recipe that combines lots of ease and even more flavor. With 8 servings, this dish is great for a crowd!

A Quick Look

Recipe Name: Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Ready In: 550 minutes
Serves: 8 servings
Main Ingredients: pork shoulder, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth
Why You'll Love It: Tonight's dinner just got way easier! This Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork is a simple recipe that combines lots of ease and even more flavor. With 8 servings, this dish is great for a crowd!

The easiest way to make pulled pork in slow cooker

Have you been on the hunt for easy dinner recipes? Sometimes, especially during the week, life calls for simple. I'll be the first to say it: this crockpot BBQ pulled pork is just that — easy, simple, and delicious too!

Using only 4 ingredients and four spices, this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork couldn't be better. It tastes incredible and makes the perfect pulled pork sandwich when enjoyed atop buns or rolls. You can also add pickles or slaw for even more flavor! It's the best weeknight meal and is sure to be enjoyed by all. With eight servings per recipe, it's perfect for a crowd!

Ingredients in this crockpot BBQ pulled pork

This BBQ crockpot pulled pork requires only four main ingredients paired with four seasonings. Below is everything you'll need:

Pork shoulder: First up, you will need 3 lbs of pork shoulder.
Seasonings: To add flavor to the pork, include 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
BBQ sauce: Then, add the BBQ component by including 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Any type is fine, so go with your favorite!
Apple cider vinegar: Add a slight bite and subtly contribute to the flavor with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Chicken broth: Finish off with ¼ cup of chicken broth (or water). Adding this will help prevent the pork from turning out dry.

Tools needed to make BBQ crockpot pulled pork

To make this pulled pork recipe, you will need a slow cooker, two forks, and a plate or dish to rest and shred the meat.

To measure out the ingredients, you will need ½ tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ¼ cup, and 1 cup sized measuring cups.

Photo of ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork with labels.

How to make crockpot BBQ pulled pork

Ready to dive into this crock pot pulled pork? This easy crock pot recipe has just two parts and couldn't be simpler. First, just cook all of the ingredients, and then shred the pork! Cook time will depend on whether you're cooking on low or high. Detailed instructions below:

First, set up your crockpot and add the meat. Sprinkle with the spices and then top with the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Remove the meat, leaving everything else in the pot. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes, and then shred with two forks. Pour the meat back into the crockpot, and stir until it becomes saucy. Add more BBQ sauce if desired.

Serve on buns or rolls as pork sandwiches and top with pickles, coleslaw, or whatever you'd like!

Storing leftovers

Leftover crock-pot pulled pork should be placed in an airtight container or freezer bag and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

If refrigerating, enjoy within 2-3 days. If freezing, enjoy within 1-2 months.

Tip: Leftover pulled pork makes great pork nachos or pork tacos. Add some tortillas or tortilla chips, cheese, onion, jalapenos, and salsa, and either meal is ready to enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Do you need liquid in slow cooker for pulled pork?

This recipe requires a bit, but not much — just ¼ cup of chicken broth or water. Paired with a dash of apple cider vinegar, I found that this amount is just enough to create delicious, juicy pulled pork.

What is the best liquid to cook pulled pork in?

You can use either chicken broth or water. Chicken broth will result in a bit more flavor.

Do you put BBQ sauce on pulled pork before or after cooking?

Before! In fact, all of the ingredients in this recipe are added to the crockpot at the start.

Do you put pulled pork in slow cooker fat side up or down?

When placing the pulled pork, go with the fat side up. Though either way works, placing the meat fat side up helps create an extra moist result.

If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!

BBQ recipes are always a good idea. Below are some more favorites!

All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn

Erin Antoniak