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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the ultimate easy dinner recipe! Seasoned to perfection with an irresistible dry rub and cooked low and slow, this crockpot pulled pork recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Whether served as an entree with a side of Stovetop Mac and Cheese, used to make BBQ Pizza, or layered on a bun with Homemade Coleslaw, you can't go wrong with the flavor in this pulled pork recipe!
Hands-Off Pulled Pork Recipe
This Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe.
There is no need to sear the pork, dice the pork, or trim the pork! Simply season the pork with simple (yet incredible) dry rub, pop it into the slow cooker in the morning and by suppertime you will be well on your way to enjoying flavorful, tender pulled pork!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients
You will find the full list of ingredients, along with quantities in the recipe card. Below is a quick glance at what you need and tips to help you make the right selection.
- Pork Roast: When it comes to creating irresistibly juicy, tender, succulent pulled pork, the cut of pork roast you use is key. I recommend using a pork butt or pork shoulder, as both are highly marbled. The fat will render off as the pork cooks, creating insanely flavorful results. For a leaner option, use pork loin (not pork tenderloin).
- Dry Rub: Made with smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this homemade dry rub is sweet, savory, smokey, and slightly spicy--exactly what the flavor in pulled pork should be.
- Apple Juice: Apple juice lends a flavor reminiscent of being applewood smoked. Pineapple juice, chicken stock, beer, root beer, or even water can be used in place of apple juice.
- Onion: Optional for flavor.
How to Make the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Season Pork. Combine the brown sugar and spices together and then use that to liberally coat the pork roast.
- Layer Ingredients. Place the onion on the bottom of the crockpot. Add the seasoned pork roast to the crockpot. Pour the apple juice (or liquid of choice) around the pork.
- Slow Cook Pork. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. You can opt for high heat to shorten the time if needed, but I find that the pork is juicier and more tender when cooked on low.
- Shred Pork. After slow cooking the pork, it is time to pull the pork, or shred the pork, to make pulled pork. The crockpot makes pulled pork so tender, it will fall apart easily. You can use two forks to shred the meat or place the pork in a stand mixer to make quick work of pulling the pork.
Kristen's Tip
The cooking liquid will tend to be on the greasy side when using a pork shoulder and pork butt. If desired, you can strain and chill the cooking liquid. Once chilled, use a spoon to scoop out the consolidated fat. Use that strained liquid to add flavor (not grease) to the pulled pork and for storing leftovers.
Recipe Modifications
- Omit the Brown Sugar: While the brown sugar adds a nice flavor and helps balance out the savory spices in the dry rub, you can opt to omit it to keep this recipe free from refined sugars
- Change up the Seasonings: I love the sweet and spicy dry rub used in this pulled pork recipe, as it adds an incredible flavor to the pork However, you can opt to replace the dry rub with 2 tablespoons of seasoned salt or adobo seasoning.
- Add Liquid Smoke: Add up to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to add subtle, smokey undertones to the pulled pork.
- Swap Pork for Chicken: Use my recipe for Crockpot Pulled Chicken using chicken breasts for a leaner version with similar flavor.
- Use an Instant Pot: Follow my tried-and-true recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork for fabulous results.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork can be served in endless ways and it makes a ton! Enjoy it one night as a main course and then make sandwiches, pizzas, quesadillas, etc. Below are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this crockpot pulled pork.
- BBQ Sandwich: Dish the pulled pork out onto buns, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and top with homemade coleslaw.
- BBQ Pizza: Add shredded pork to pizza dough, drizzle with BBQ sauce, cover with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for a fun spin on pizza night.
- Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potato: Top an Instant Pot Baked Potato, Air Fryer Baked Potato, or Instant Pot Sweet Potato with a scoop of the pulled pork and top with cheese, barbecue sauce, and diced green onions.
- BBQ Pork Salad: Replace the chicken in BBQ Chicken Salad, with some slow cooker pulled pork that has been tossed with BBQ sauce.
- Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve crockpot pulled pork in warmed tortillas topped with cheese and coleslaw.
- Make a Quesadilla: Layer pulled pork and shredded sharp cheese between two flour tortillas and toast in a dry skillet until the cheese has melted.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Allow to cool, transfer to an airtight container, and cover with the reserved cooking liquid. That liquid will help to keep the pulled pork juicy for days! Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Transfer the pork, along with a generous scoop of cooking liquid, to an airtight freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Defrost in the fridge overnight if needed. Reheat the pulled pork, along with some of the cooking liquid, in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through.
More Favorite Crockpot Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Crockpot Pulled Pork
Video
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast (pork butt) , or pork loin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, or regular paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup 100% apple juice
- 1-2 cups barbecue sauce, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
- Remove the pork roast from the packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork roast, generously coating.
- Lay out the diced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker, pour in 1 cup 100% apple juice, and place the seasoned pork on top of the onion.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Once the pork has reached 200-210℉ (97-100℃) remove it from the slow cooker and place it into a large bowl and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain cooking sauce over a large bowl to remove onions. If you want to remove some of the fat that rendered into the cooking liquid, place the liquid in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then scoop the solidified fat off the liquid.
- Add ¼ cup of the cooking liquid over the pork, and shred the pork using 2 forks, a handheld kitchen mixer on medium-low speed, or a stand mixer on low speed with a paddle attachment. Add in additional cooking liquid and/or barbecue sauce as desired.
- You can opt to place the shredded pork back in the crockpot and keep on warm for 2-3 hours if desired. Serve as desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve used this recipe several times. It is easy and the results are extraordinary! I’ve shared with others and one friend says he’s not smoking his Boston butts any longer since Kristen’s recipe is delicious and a lot less trouble 😉
I really appreciate suggestions for dishes made with pulled pork, because there’s always plenty left over.
Once again Kristen, you’re the BEST!
Doc
Hi Doc! I love hearing you and your friend enjoy this pulled pork recipe so much! We have a smoker too, and this is our default. It is so easy and consistently good. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review 🙂
I’ve made this pulled pork recipe many times and is the only one I use. It’s absolutely delicious and so easy to make.
Love hearing that, Michelle! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Love this recipe! This time my lunch is scheduled for 1pm so I don't have time to cook it the day of and really get the slow cooked flavor. Any advice/suggestions for making it the day before and then reheating?
Hi Ashley! Thrilled you enjoy this recipe so much! I would shred the pork as directed and then refrigerate. I would reheat with 1 cup of apple juice on low heat for 1-2 hours and then stir in BBQ sauce and serve or turn to warm to keep warm.
Can this be done on high?
Hi Cheryl! You can opt for high heat to shorten the time if needed, but I find that the pork is juicier and more tender when cooked on low. Cook for 5-6 hours on high.
My pork is frozen can I still make this today?
Hi Jeanne! It is recommended to fully thaw pork before cooking, as it can hover in a dangerous zone that bacteria grows for a bit too long. You can use my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe safely using frozen pork.
The best! I wish I had used a much larger pork butt!
Always a good sign when you wish you had may more! Thanks for sharing!