Tender Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe

Slow-Simmered Magic: Irresistible Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe

Succulent, tender pulled pork with barbecue sauce simmering in a crockpot delivers mouthwatering comfort food that melts in your mouth.

Slow cooking unlocks deep, rich flavors that make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Weekend gatherings and casual dinners shine when this hearty pulled pork takes center stage.

The magic happens when savory spices blend perfectly with smoky barbecue sauce, creating layers of deliciousness.

Simple ingredients and minimal effort produce an incredible meal that everyone will devour.

Tender, juicy meat falls apart with the gentlest touch, promising a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and watch as dinner becomes an instant hit.

Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Ingredients

For Protein Base:
  • Boneless Chicken Breasts: Premium lean protein that provides the main structure for the dish, choose fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal fat for tender results.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid base that enhances meat's flavor and helps tenderize proteins during cooking.
For Aromatic Foundations:
  • Onion: Adds deep, sweet undertones and provides natural depth to overall flavor profile.
  • Carrot: Introduces subtle sweetness and contributes beautiful color to the dish.
  • Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent taste that elevates entire recipe's complexity.
  • Dried Thyme: Brings earthy, herbaceous notes that complement chicken perfectly.
For Creamy Texture and Finishing Elements:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking while adding smooth flavor.
  • Butter: Creates luxurious richness and helps develop smooth sauce consistency.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Serves as thickening agent to create velvety texture.
  • Milk: Provides creamy foundation for sauce and adds silky mouthfeel.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Introduce tangy, nutty flavors and melty richness.
  • White Rice: Offers hearty base that absorbs delicious sauce.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green element with pleasant crunch.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish and visual appeal.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

Slow Cooker Tools for Making BBQ Pulled Pork

  • Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection.
  • Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Large Cutting Board: Ideal for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop onions and cut pork roast in half.
  • Two Forks: Great for shredding the cooked pork meat effortlessly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Tender Barbecue Pork in the Crockpot

  • Sauce Preparation

Blend together a tangy mixture of sweet and savory flavors in your trusty crockpot, creating a mouthwatering base for your pulled pork adventure.

  • Meat and Aromatics

Nestle the pork roast into the sauce, accompanied by fragrant onions and garlic, which will infuse the meat with deep, rich flavors.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Let the crockpot work its transformative power, gently breaking down the meat until it becomes incredibly tender and easy to pull apart.

  • Shredding and Mixing

Carefully remove the pork, shred it into delectable strands, and lovingly fold it back into the bubbling sauce, ensuring every morsel is coated with deliciousness.

  • Serving Suggestions

Pile the succulent pulled pork onto soft rolls, top with crisp coleslaw, or tuck into tacos and burritos for a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tips for Smoky Sweet BBQ Pork

  • To ensure maximum tenderness, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder or Boston butt roast that'll break down beautifully during cooking.
  • Enhance the barbecue sauce by adding a splash of bourbon, a dash of liquid smoke, or a spoonful of apple cider vinegar for extra tang and depth.
  • This pulled pork freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently for quick weeknight meals or unexpected guests.
  • Swap traditional rolls for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use gluten-free buns to accommodate different dietary needs. Vegetarian friends can substitute jackfruit for a similar texture and absorbing sauce.

Serving Crockpot Pulled Pork on Buns or Plates

  • Sandwich Sensation: Stack the pulled pork on soft, toasted brioche buns for a mouthwatering sandwich that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Nacho Party Starter: Spread the pulled pork over crispy tortilla chips, top with melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an epic game day appetizer.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Topping: Transform a simple baked potato into a hearty meal by generously covering it with the savory pulled pork and adding a sprinkle of green onions.
  • Salad Surprise: Toss the pulled pork over a bed of mixed greens, add some crunchy vegetables, and drizzle with a tangy barbecue dressing for a protein-packed lunch option.

Storage Tips for Pulled Pork

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Freezer Stash Technique: Portion pulled pork into meal-sized containers or freezer bags. Flat storage maximizes space and allows quick thawing. Frozen meat stays delicious for up to 3 months.
  • Quick Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed pork in microwave with a splash of extra sauce. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness. Low-medium power works best for maintaining tenderness.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Revive day-old pulled pork by adding fresh barbecue sauce or mixing with additional spices. Sautéing briefly in a skillet can restore its original juicy texture and enhance taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

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Tender Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe

Tender Crockpot Barbecue Pulled Pork Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Slow-cooker pulled pork brings Southern barbecue magic right to your kitchen with tender, juicy meat. Succulent pork shoulder marinates in a tangy sauce, creating irresistible flavor you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 chicken breasts, boneless (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 onion, large, diced
  • 1 carrot, large, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 56 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
  • ¼ cup white rice, uncooked
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, fresh, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Craft a vibrant barbecue sauce by blending together all components, creating a harmonious, zesty liquid base that will infuse the pork with robust flavors.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Finely chop onions and mince garlic, dispersing these aromatic ingredients throughout the crockpot to enhance the overall taste profile.
  3. Meat Placement: Divide the pork roast into manageable portions and nestle them into the crockpot, ensuring maximum contact with the seasoned sauce.
  4. Liquid Immersion: Thoroughly coat the meat with the prepared sauce, guaranteeing complete coverage and moisture retention during the slow-cooking process.
  5. Slow Cooking: Activate the crockpot on high setting and allow the pork to simmer and tenderize for 4-6 hours, periodically monitoring its progress and moisture levels.
  6. Meat Transformation: Validate the pork’s readiness by attempting to pull it apart with two forks; the meat should separate effortlessly and exhibit a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  7. Shredding and Finishing: Extract the pork from the cooking liquid, meticulously shred it into delicate strands, then reintroduce it to the remaining sauce to maximize flavor absorption.
  8. Serving Suggestions: Present the succulent pulled pork on pillowy rolls, complemented by crisp coleslaw, tangy pickles, or utilize as a versatile filling for various culinary creations like tacos, burritos, or hearty chili.

Notes

  • Sauce Selection Strategy: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess to elevate the overall flavor of the pulled pork.
  • Meat Moisture Mastery: Opt for a well-marbled pork roast like Boston butt or shoulder to guarantee maximum tenderness and juiciness during slow cooking.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Allow the shredded pork to rest in the cooking liquid for 10-15 minutes after shredding to intensify the sauce absorption and enhance taste depth.
  • Storage Smart Tip: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container with some cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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