If you need a dependable, no-fuss dinner that feeds a crew, this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is it!
We're cooking seasoned pork shoulder low and slow until it reaches that magic 200°F internal temperature, which means it shreds easily, stays juicy, and reheats beautifully. Whether you're feeding hungry kids after practice, packing field meals, or hosting friends, this BBQ pulled pork just works.
No fancy equipment required. Just real ingredients and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.
Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Works
- Cooks low and slow for maximum tenderness
- Reaches 200°F for easy shredding
- Makes enough for 8–10 servings
- Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, nachos, and freezer meals
- Reheats beautifully without drying out
This is the kind of recipe you make once and use three different ways during the week. I'll tell you how!
Need pulled pork in a hurry? Try my air fryer pulled pork recipe!
Jump to:
- Why This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Works
- 🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- What Cut of Pork Is Best for Pulled Pork?
- 🥣 How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
- Why Cook Pulled Pork to 200°F?
- Why Cook on Low Instead of High?
- How to Store Pulled Pork
- Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
- 🍽 What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork
- Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- FAQ
- More Easy Slow Cooker and Sandwich Recipes
- Recipe
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless pork shoulder - You can also use pork butt which is basically the same cut with a different name. Boneless country-style pork ribs (which really aren't ribs at all) are another good option. If you go this route, your cooking time may be slightly shorter.
- Italian seasoning - A blend of dried basil, oregano, and other spices. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use this Italian seasoning substitute.
- Garlic salt
- BBQ sauce - Use your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own. Our family loves Sweet Baby Ray's and they have a great sugar free version.
- Apple cider vinegar - White vinegar can also be used.
- Chicken broth - use canned chicken stock or use homemade chicken bone broth. Either way, I like to use a low sodium version.
That’s it. Simple pantry staples that build flavor while the pork cooks. Oh, and add buns to your grocery list if you'll be using this to make shredded pork sandwiches.
See recipe card below for specific quantities and ingredient list.
You might also like shredded bbq chicken.
What Cut of Pork Is Best for Pulled Pork?
Pork shoulder is the best cut for pulled pork because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during long cooking.
Pork shoulder and pork butt are actually the same cut from the upper shoulder of the pig. Both work perfectly in the slow cooker!
Boneless country-style ribs can also work in a pinch, though they may cook a little faster.
🥣 How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker
- Step 1: Prep the pork. Let the pork shoulder sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Turn your slow cooker on about 10 minutes before adding the meat.
Season. Mix Italian seasoning and garlic salt in a small bowl. Rub evenly over the pork shoulder.
- Step 2: Add sauce mixture. Whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour over the pork.
Cover and Cook. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Let pork rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Shred. Place pork on a cookie sheet and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker to reheat before serving.
Add additional BBQ sauce if desired.
This method works great for both slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches or using the shredded pork in tacos, nachos, and wraps.
Serve on sandwich rolls with your favorite toppings.
Why Cook Pulled Pork to 200°F?
So glad you asked! When making slow cooker pulled pork, the meat needs to reach about 200°F for the connective tissue to break down properly.
That’s what gives you:
- Tender texture
- Easy shredding
- Juicy meat instead of dry chunks
If you stop at 165°F, the pork will be cooked, but not pull-apart tender. Use a meat thermometer to check your temperature.
Why Cook on Low Instead of High?
Cooking pork low and slow allows the fat to fully render and keeps the meat from drying out.
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If you have time, use the LOW setting. The difference in texture is worth it.
How to Store Pulled Pork
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or return to the slow cooker on low until heated through.
Leftovers are great for using for pulled pork tacos, pulled pork quesadillas or pulled pork wraps.
Or, serve over nachos, tachos or baked potatoes
Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can and it freezes beautifully! Allow pork to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm in the slow cooker or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
This makes it perfect for freezer meal prep!
Be sure to check out my leftover pulled pork ideas, too!
🍽 What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork
The question really is, what can't you serve? I went to a bbq joint in Texas recently and these are some of the classic sides they offered:
This is one of those recipes that works year-round whether it's a summer cookout or cozy winter dinner.
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
- Reheat before serving. Returning shredded pork to the slow cooker helps it absorb juices.
- Preheat your slow cooker. Some ceramic inserts take time to heat. Starting warm helps cooking begin immediately.
- Shred outside the slow cooker. Use a cookie sheet for more room. use your mixer or use this cool tool I now use regularly.
- Cut large roasts if needed. If your pork is hitting the lid, cut it in half.
One of my favorite ways to use leftover pork is in this easy Cuban sandwich.
FAQ
Slow cooker, small bowl for seasoning, and two forks for shredding.
Allowing meat to come closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly.
Resting allows juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping it moist when shredded.
Yes. Slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for overnight cooking. Simply cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, then shred in the morning. The pork stays moist and reheats beautifully later in the day.
This pork recipes is especially handy during planting and harvest season when everyone needs a hot meal but nobody has time to babysit the stove.
More Easy Slow Cooker and Sandwich Recipes
Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Let 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat slow cooker for 10 minutes.
- Combine 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning and 1 Tablespoon garlic salt. Rub over pork.
- Whisk ½ cup BBQ sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup chicken broth. Pour over pork.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until internal temp reaches 200°F.
- Rest pork 30–60 minutes.Shred with forks and return to slow cooker to reheat before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
