The Juiciest Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe Ever

Crockpot barbecue pulled pork changes an ordinary meal into a succulent culinary adventure that promises incredible depth and richness.

Kitchen magic happens when tough meat slowly surrenders to gentle heat and robust seasonings.

Families crave this classic comfort dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cooking complexity.

Southern-inspired techniques turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering centerpiece that sparks conversation around the dining table.

Low and slow cooking ensures every morsel becomes perfectly tender and beautifully infused with smoky undertones.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners gain instant excitement with this crowd-pleasing recipe that requires little active preparation.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Why You’ll Crave This Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork

• Effortless Slow Cooking Magic: Crockpot method transforms tough pork roast into tender, melt-in-your-mouth pulled meat with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for multiple serving styles, from classic sandwiches to tacos and burritos, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser for families and gatherings.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Delivers a hearty 32g of protein per serving, combining rich barbecue sauce with succulent pork for a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized.

What You’ll Need for Sweet, Tangy, Slow-Cooked Pork

• Pork Roast: Tender cut perfect for slow cooking, preferably with some marbling for extra flavor and moisture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and savory notes to the pulled pork.

• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy foundation that creates the classic pulled pork flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelization and rich sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex umami flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle spicy kick and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the pork.
• Paprika: Provides a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color to the sauce.

How to Make Pulled Pork That Falls Apart with a Fork

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce

Grab your crockpot and whisk together the sauce ingredients. Chop the onions and mince the garlic, then place them in the pot along with the pork roast. If you want the meat to cook faster, slice the roast in half.

• Barbecue sauce
• Other sauce ingredients (based on your preferred recipe)

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your crockpot to high and let the magic happen for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork becomes so tender that it falls apart easily when you poke it with a fork.

Step 3: Shred and Mix

Carefully remove the cooked pork from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat into delicious, bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded pork back into the sauce, ensuring every morsel is coated with flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Get creative with your serving options! Pile the pulled pork onto soft rolls for classic sandwiches, top with tangy coleslaw, add some pickles on the side, or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a hearty chili topping.

Pulled Pork Tips for the Juiciest Result

• Select the Right Cut: Choose a pork shoulder or pork butt with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Trim Excess Fat: Remove large fat caps to prevent greasy sauce while keeping enough for moisture and richness.
• Layer Flavor Builders: Place onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a delicious aromatic base for the meat.
• Check Moisture Levels: Add a splash of chicken broth if sauce looks too thick during cooking to maintain juicy pulled pork.
• Rest and Shred Strategically: Let meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute before shredding with two forks for perfect texture.

Storing and Reheating Pulled Pork Without Drying It Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep the meat juicy. Refrigerated pulled pork stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Freezing: Wrap pulled pork in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to preserve flavor and texture. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pulled pork maintains quality for up to 3 months when sealed correctly.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or sauce to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly. For frozen pulled pork, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal taste and tenderness.

What Complements BBQ Pulled Pork on Your Plate

• Craft a Classic BBQ Plate: Pair the pulled pork with crisp, tangy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob for a traditional Southern-style meal that balances the rich meat with fresh, crunchy sides.
• Elevate with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale to cut through the fatty richness of the pulled pork, bringing out subtle barbecue sauce flavors and cleansing the palate.
• Create Zesty Taco Night Transform: Stuff the pulled pork into soft corn tortillas, top with fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican-inspired twist that adds brightness and acidity to the tender meat.
• Comfort Side Kick: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese or crispy sweet potato fries to complement the savory pulled pork and create a satisfying, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Pulled Pork Variations to Try for Your Next Cookout

• Spicy Southwestern Pulled Pork: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chipotle powder to the sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork: Replace barbecue sauce with a mix of hoisin, soy sauce, and ginger for an umami-rich flavor profile.
• Honey Mustard Pulled Pork: Swap traditional barbecue sauce with a blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a tangy sweet alternative.
• Apple Cider Pulled Pork: Incorporate apple cider and a touch of cinnamon to create a subtle fruity undertone that complements the rich meat.

Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Slow-cooked Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort with tender, juicy meat bathed in rich, tangy sauce. Savory notes of smoky spices and sweet molasses create an irresistible meal perfect for gatherings where hungry friends will devour each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5–6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
• ¼ cup uncooked white rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker base by whisking together the barbecue sauce components, creating a rich, tangy liquid foundation for the pulled pork.
2. Dice the onions into uniform small pieces and mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors into the cooking liquid.
3. Carefully place the pork roast into the crockpot, splitting it into two equal portions to ensure even cooking and faster preparation.
4. Pour the thoroughly mixed sauce over the pork, ensuring the meat is completely covered and surrounded by the flavorful liquid.
5. Set the crockpot to high temperature and allow the pork to cook for 4 to 6 hours, periodically checking the tenderness and moisture level.
6. Test the meat’s doneness by attempting to shred it with two forks; the pork should effortlessly pull apart when fully cooked.
7. Remove the pork from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into fine, tender strands.
8. Return the shredded pork to the cooking liquid, gently mixing to absorb the remaining sauce and enhance its flavor profile.
9. Serve the pulled pork on soft rolls, accompanied by creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or use as a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or hearty chili.

Notes

• Leftover pulled pork stores perfectly in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing works wonderfully by placing shredded meat in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and storing for 3 months.
• Meal prep champions can batch cook this recipe on weekends for quick weeknight dinners or lunch meal planning.
• Lower sodium options work by using reduced-sodium barbecue sauce and checking total salt content in additional seasonings.
• Slow cooker liners help minimize cleanup and prevent stuck-on sauce residue on ceramic crockpot surfaces.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 709mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 105mg