5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Family-Style Meals

This dish showcases slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with smoked paprika and salt, then simmered in barbecue sauce and chicken broth until tender and juicy. The meat is shredded and mixed back with the sauce for rich flavor. Ideal for sandwiches or paired with rice and sides, it offers a simple yet satisfying experience. A touch of spice can be added for variation and gluten-free options are possible by choosing suitable sauces.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:30:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork ready to be shredded, with rich, smoky barbecue sauce visible. Save to Pinterest
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork ready to be shredded, with rich, smoky barbecue sauce visible. | chromespoon.com

Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked with smoky barbecue flavors, perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.

I first served this slow-cooked pulled pork to my family and everyone loved the smoky flavor and tender texture.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
  • Seasonings: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Sauce: 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Liquid: 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

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Step 1:
Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
Step 2:
Sprinkle the smoked paprika and salt evenly over the pork.
Step 3:
Pour the barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the meat.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5:
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
Step 6:
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mix well with the sauce, and heat through for 10 minutes before serving.
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness, perfect for sandwiches. Save to Pinterest
Savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness, perfect for sandwiches. | chromespoon.com

My family enjoys gathering around the table and sharing this pulled pork, especially on weekends.

Notes

For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper. Serve on toasted buns, with coleslaw, or over baked potatoes.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (or Dutch oven for oven method), cutting board, knife, forks (for shredding)

Allergen Information

BBQ sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens—check labels carefully.

Close-up of a beautifully shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening from the flavorful barbecue sauce. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a beautifully shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening from the flavorful barbecue sauce. | chromespoon.com
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This 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork is perfect to prep ahead and enjoy all week.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of meat is best for this dish?

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt works best due to its marbling and tenderness during slow cooking.

Can I make this on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, using a Dutch oven on low heat for several hours can yield similar tender results.

How can I add a spicy kick to this pork?

Incorporate chili powder or cayenne pepper into the seasoning before slow cooking to enhance heat.

Is it possible to prepare this in advance and reheat?

Absolutely. Leftovers freeze well up to two months and can be reheated gently to maintain moisture.

What are some serving suggestions?

Serve shredded pork on toasted buns, with coleslaw, or over baked potatoes for a complete meal.

How do I ensure this dish is gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and verify all ingredients to suit dietary needs.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow-cooked tender pork with smoky barbecue sauce, ready in 8 hours for hearty meals.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
480 minutes
Overall time
490 minutes
Recipe by Marissa Cook


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portion size 6 Portions

Dietary info Without dairy

What You'll Need

Pork

01 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork butt

Seasonings

01 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
02 1 teaspoon salt

Sauce

01 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Liquid

01 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.

Step 02

Season Pork: Sprinkle smoked paprika and salt evenly over the pork.

Step 03

Add Sauce and Broth: Pour barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the seasoned pork.

Step 04

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and shreddable.

Step 05

Shred Pork: Remove pork, shred with two forks until finely pulled.

Step 06

Combine and Heat: Return shredded pork to slow cooker, mix with sauce, and heat through for 10 minutes before serving.

Needed equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Forks

Allergy Notes

Double-check your ingredients for allergens and always talk to your doctor if you're not sure.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens—check labels carefully.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Use these nutrition facts for reference—they don't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy (kcal): 350
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams