This bbq pulled pork recipe is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. An easy slow cooker meal that’s perfect for sandwiches, bowls, and meal prep. Made with a sugar-free pork rub that adds a ton of flavor, without loads of extra sugar.

We love to smoke bbq pulled pork at Casa de Crews, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with all the back and forth, in-and-out of monitoring the temperature – esp outside. And while you can’t beat the flavor from a smoked pork butt, you can easily achieve very similar flavors in way less time with the help of your slow cooker!

Tender, juicy, pull-apart GOOD. I love to serve crockpot pulled pork with coleslaw in a bowl with homemade French fries, and a drizzle of my bbq sauce, with a side of pickles!

It’s also great at a summer bbq served with potato salad and cornbread muffins, or stuffed into a baked potato for an easy comfort meal anytime of year.

Ingredients in crockpot shredded pork

One of my favorite things about this crockpot pulled pork recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. I use the same homemade dry rub for pork that I make for ribs.

Pork shoulder (Boston butt): The best cut for slow cooking. As it cooks, the fat and connective tissue break down, creating juicy, tender pulled pork that’s easy to shred. I use a 4-5 pound boneless pork shoulder, but bone-in works just as well.
Pulled pork seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme create a simple, smoky dry rub that lets the pork shine without overpowering it.
Honey glaze (optional): Chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and honey create a light cooking sauce that adds moisture and subtle sweetness as the pork cooks. The vinegar helps tenderize the meat while the honey balances the savory spices. It’s completely optional, but I rarely skip it.

how to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker

This shredded pork could not be easier in the crockpot! I like to cut my pork shoulder into large chunks and sear for texture and moisture, but this is optional. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step.

Trim fat and chop pork shoulder into chunks. Season with seasonings for pork and sear in a skillet. This helps retain moisture, color and flavor with the spice rub.
Add seared pork chunks to the slow cooker.
Make (optional) sauce. Combine chicken broth, honey and apple cider vinegar. Pour into crockpot with pork.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Because you’ve cut the pork into chunks it should break down more easily and in slightly less time. The pork is done when it easily shreds using a fork.

Do I need to sear the pork before slow cooking?

Searing your pork before adding it to the slow cooker is an optional step. It helps develop a deeper flavor and gives the pork a nice crust, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. The pork will still turn out tender, juicy, and flavorful thanks to the braising process from your slow cooker.

can you freeze pulled pork?

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover crockpot pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
TO FREEZE: Freeze leftover pork in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or ziptop bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet or saucepan on the stovetop on medium heat until warmed through. Optional, but you can add a splash of broth to keep it moist when reheating.