Amazing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This amazing slow cooker pulled pork results in juicy, tender meat every time. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this easy pulled pork recipe makes enough to feed the whole family.

While you are here, check out my mouthwatering Pulled Pork Sandwiches, these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, and this Texas Style Smoked Brisket Recipe.

Jump to:

• Why We Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe:
• What is the best cut of pork?
• Ingredients you need:
• Instructions to make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork:
• Alternatives and Variations:
• Pro-Tips:
• Storing and Reheating:
• FAQ:
• More Delicious Pork Recipes to Try
• 📖 Recipe
• Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this great recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!

This is the best slow cooker pulled pork recipe. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker or crock pot, a raw cut of pork transforms into flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

I have tried various methods for cooking pulled pork -- the oven, the smoke, the instant pot -- but none are better than slow cooker pulled pork!

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe:

Easy to Make! This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes because it is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal! After seasoning the pork, the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you. Simply allow it to cook for 4 hours, minimum.

Goes With Everything! This is just as versatile as grilled chicken. Add it to wraps, salads, sandwiches... The limit is your own creativity!

Great for Leftovers! We love an affordable meal and this meat can last the whole week. It stores well and it can be served in a variety of ways so you will not get tired of it.

Meal Prep! Use this bbq pulled pork for meal prep and enjoy it throughout the week on sandwiches or nachos, in tacos or salads, or as an entree to a well-balanced dinner.

What is the best cut of pork?

Pork shoulder is the best cut for slow cooker pulled pork. Here are your choices:

• Pork Shoulder: Sometimes referred to as pork butt or Boston butt, is a tougher cut of meat with plenty of fat. As it cooks, it tenderizes, resulting in a flavorful cut of meat. Bone-in pork shoulder is less expensive but takes longer to cook. Boneless pork shoulder tends to yield more meat, and it's easier to cut.
• Top Loin: This is a leaner cut of pork. It will not be as juicy but has fewer calories and less sodium.
• Pork Tenderloin: I do not recommend using a slow cooker to prepare this meat. It is very lean and will come out dry. It will also be difficult to shred.

Ingredients you need:

• Pork shoulder or pork butt: Boneless preferred.
• Brown sugar: This adds a warm, sweet touch.
• Seasoning: For my dry rub I use seasoned salt (adjust to your taste), paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (optional but recommended for a kick).
• Olive oil: Coat the pork in oil before applying the dry rub.
• Apple juice: This adds a bit of acidity to cut through the rich flavors of the seasoned pork. Use water as an alternative.

Instructions to make Slow Cooker Pulled Pork:

Clean Pork

Rinse and dry your pork shoulder or butt very thoroughly. Set it aside in a large bowl or a baking sheet while you prepare your dry rub.

Prepare Dry Rub

In a medium bowl, combine all of your seasonings including brown sugar, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Use a spoon to stir all of the seasonings until they are fully combined. 

Season Pork

Gently drizzle the olive oil all over your pork roast and rub it in until all sides are coated. 

Now begin to sprinkle your dry rub mixture all over the pork butt, ensuring that you coat every single side. 

Use your hands to firmly pat the seasoning into the pork. 

Slow Cook Pork

Pour the apple juice (or water) into the bottom of your slow cooker, then add in the seasoned pork.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours. 

Shred Pork

Pork will be super tender, and you can shred it with a fork, or chop it up with a sharp knife. And enjoy!

Alternatives and Variations:

• BBQ Sauce Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Add a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce to the crockpot for saucy pulled pork.
• Soda: The sugars in cola or root beer carmelize as they heat up in the slow cooker, providing extra flavor to the pulled pork.

Pro-Tips:

• Pan sear the pork shoulder prior to adding it to the slow cooker if you want to take the extra step to help seal in the flavors and seasonings.
• The key to flavorful pulled pork is fat. Select a cut of pork that is marbled well. As the meat breaks down, the fat adds moisture and ensures the slow cooker pulled pork will be nice and juicy. However, trim off any excess fat.
• If time allows, let the meat rest before shredding. If you let the pork sit for at least 30 minutes after it is done, the juices have time to redistribute throughout the roast so it evenly moist.
• Make this ahead of time; either the night before you plan to serve or up to 4 days in advance.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge, after it has completely cooled down. It will lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze in resealable bags for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm it up in the oven or slow cooker because the microwave may cause it to dry out.

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook slow cooker pulled pork?

On high heat, it take about 4 hours to cook. On low heat, it takes about 8 hours.

Do you need liquid in the slow cooker for pulled pork?

You do not need to add liquid to pulled pork in a slow cooker. This is an optional inclusion that adds flavor and extra moisture. Some recipes use pineapple juice, Dr. Pepper, or chicken broth. For this recipe, apple juice is used.

Can you overcook pulled pork in a slow cooker?

This is a very forgiving recipe. If you leave it on for an hour too long, the meat will be even more tender. However, cooking times will vary depending on the size of your pork shoulder and the slow cooker model.

The pork is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 200F. If you don't have a meat thermometer and think it is done, try to shred the meat with a fork. If it does not shred easily, the pork is not done.

More Delicious Pork Recipes to Try

• Perfectly Seasoned Fried Pork Chops
• Pozole Rojo (Mexican Stew with Pork and Hominy)
• Easy Leftover Pork Fried Rice
• Korean Seared Pork Tacos

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this great recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!