Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
/Tender, Juicy & Perfect Every Time
There are certain recipes that become staples in our home because they make life just a little easier, and this Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is one of them.
With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker transforms a simple pork shoulder into incredibly tender, flavorful pulled pork that's perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues and family gatherings. It's one of those recipes that fills the house with the most incredible aroma and always brings everyone into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. We pile it onto toasted brioche buns, tuck it into tacos, spoon it over baked potatoes, or use the leftovers for nachos the next day. It freezes beautifully, reheats wonderfully, and somehow tastes even better after the flavors have had more time to come together.
If you're looking for a dependable recipe that's simple enough for everyday dinners but special enough for entertaining, this slow cooker pulled pork is one you'll find yourself making again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe has become one of my favorite meals because it's almost effortless while delivering incredible flavor every single time.
You'll love it because it's:
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for meal prep
Great for feeding a crowd
Tender, juicy, and flavorful
Freezer friendly
Easy enough for busy weeknights
Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, nachos, and baked potatoes
A wonderful recipe for summer barbecues, football season, and family gatherings
Ingredient Notes
Simple ingredients come together to create rich, slow-cooked flavor.
Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is my favorite cut because of its beautiful marbling. As it cooks low and slow, the fat melts into the meat, creating incredibly tender pulled pork.
Chicken Broth
A little broth helps keep the pork moist while creating flavorful cooking juices you'll want to stir back into the shredded meat.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar balances the smoky spices while helping develop a beautiful caramelized crust during searing.
Red Onion
As the onion slowly cooks, it melts into the juices, adding sweetness and another layer of flavor.
The Spice Blend
Paprika, cumin, garlic, onion powder, and just a touch of cayenne create a smoky seasoning that's flavorful without being overly spicy.
Kitchen Tools
You'll only need a few kitchen staples.
Slow cooker
360 Cookware Slow Cooker or large skillet
Chef's knife
Cutting board
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Two forks for shredding
I've linked all of my favorite slow cooker essentials, knives, and everyday kitchen tools in my Kitchen Essentials shelf.
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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
Pulled Pork
5-pound pork shoulder or pork butt
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
Dry Rub
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1½ teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
¼ cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in your 360 Cookware slow cooker insert or a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced red onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes, just until it begins to soften.
Step 2
While the onion cooks, combine all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then generously coat every side with the seasoning mixture, pressing it into the meat.
Move the onions to the side of the pan and carefully add the pork.
Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, creating a deep golden crust.
Step 3
Transfer the insert to the slow cooker base (or transfer everything into your slow cooker if using a skillet).
Pour the chicken broth around the pork, being careful not to wash away the seasoning on top.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 7–8 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours
The pork is ready when it easily falls apart with two forks and reaches an internal temperature of approximately 200–205°F.
Step 4
Transfer the pork to a cutting board.
Allow it to rest for 10 minutes, then shred using two forks.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the cooking juices and onions until evenly coated.
Serve warm however you like.
Amanda's Quick Tips
Don't skip the searing—it adds incredible flavor.
Shred the pork directly into the cooking juices.
If the pork isn't shredding easily, let it cook a little longer.
Brioche buns make incredible pulled pork sandwiches.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Amanda's Tips
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is because it's incredibly forgiving, but these simple tips will help you make the best pulled pork every single time.
Sear Before Slow Cooking
Although it's tempting to skip this step, searing the pork creates a flavorful crust that adds richness to the finished dish. It only takes a few extra minutes and is well worth the effort.
Let It Rest Before Shredding
Once the pork has finished cooking, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
Toss It Back Into the Juices
After shredding, return the pork to the slow cooker and mix it into the cooking juices and onions. This is my favorite trick for keeping pulled pork incredibly juicy.
Taste Before Serving
Every pork shoulder is a little different. Taste the finished pork before serving and add an extra pinch of salt or black pepper if needed.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe makes a generous amount and reheats beautifully, making it one of my favorite meals to prepare ahead for busy weeks.
Easy Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be used in so many different ways.
BBQ Pulled Pork
Stir your favorite barbecue sauce into the shredded pork just before serving.
Mexican-Inspired Pulled Pork
Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro after shredding. Serve in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or rice bowls.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork
Top with grilled pineapple and pickled red onions for a sweet and savory combination.
Carolina Style
Skip the barbecue sauce and serve with a tangy vinegar-based sauce instead.
Spicy Pulled Pork
Add additional cayenne pepper or stir in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce after shredding.
Make Ahead Tips
This is one of my favorite recipes for entertaining because almost all of the work can be done ahead of time.
Cook the pork the day before, shred it, and store it in the refrigerator with all of the cooking juices.
The next day, simply warm everything together in the slow cooker on the Warm setting until heated through.
It's one less thing to worry about when hosting family or friends.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions with some of the cooking juices for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until heated through.
(Image 7)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of pork for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best choices because they have enough marbling to become incredibly tender during slow cooking.
Can I skip searing the pork?
Yes, but I highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to sear it first for the best flavor.
How do I know when it's done?
The pork should easily pull apart with two forks and reach an internal temperature of about 200–205°F.
Can I cook it overnight?
Absolutely. Cooking on LOW overnight works beautifully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze the shredded pork with some of the cooking juices to help it stay moist when reheated.
Can I use barbecue sauce?
Definitely. Stir it in after shredding or serve it on the side so everyone can customize their meal.
Why isn't my pork shredding?
It simply needs more time. Continue cooking until it falls apart effortlessly.
What's the best bread for sandwiches?
Soft brioche buns are my favorite, but potato rolls, ciabatta, or Kaiser rolls are all excellent options.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The cayenne adds a subtle warmth, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer.
(Image 8)
Ways to Serve Pulled Pork
One of the best things about this recipe is how many meals you can make from it.
Try serving it:
On toasted brioche buns
In tacos
On nachos
Over baked potatoes
In rice bowls
Inside quesadillas
On flatbread pizzas
In sliders for parties
Stuffed into baked sweet potatoes
Over macaroni and cheese
It's one of those recipes that never gets old because every meal feels a little different.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork
Complete your meal with one (or several) of these favorite sides:
Creamy coleslaw
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Macaroni and cheese
Cornbread
Potato salad
Roasted vegetables
Sweet potato fries
Watermelon slices
Fresh fruit salad
Pickles
(Image 9)
More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
If your family enjoys comforting, easy dinners like this one, here are a few more favorites from Amanda's Kitchen:
Easy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Italian Lasagna Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Stuffed Italian Sausage Pasta Shells
Chorizo One Pan Dinner
Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs
Shop My Kitchen Favorites
I've linked my favorite slow cooker, Dutch oven, knives, cutting boards, measuring tools, and everyday kitchen essentials that I use to make recipes like this one.
SHOP MY KITCHEN FAVORITES
Save This Recipe
Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for an easy family dinner, I've included the printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and make again whenever you need it.
This is one of those timeless recipes that always earns a spot back on the menu.
(Insert your "From Amanda's Kitchen" recipe card here.)
A Note From Amanda
Some of my favorite recipes aren't the ones that require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. They're the ones that bring people together around the table, leave plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day, and become part of family traditions.
This pulled pork is one of those recipes in our home. It's simple enough for an ordinary Tuesday night but special enough for birthdays, holidays, game days, and backyard gatherings with the people we love most.
I hope it becomes one of those dependable recipes your family asks for again and again.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."
Psalm 34:8
Made with love for the people you love.
