5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Quick Suppers

This dish features tender pork shoulder infused with smoky paprika and barbecue sauce, slow-cooked for hours until effortlessly shredded. The rich and juicy meat combines perfectly with the sauce, producing satisfying flavors suitable for sandwiches or served over rice. Using a slow cooker simplifies preparation and allows the pork to develop deep, smoky notes. Variations include adding chili powder for heat or opting for gluten-free sauces to suit dietary needs.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with sauce, ready to be shredded and enjoyed on a bun. Save
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with sauce, ready to be shredded and enjoyed on a bun. | stellarskillet.com

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

This BBQ pulled pork has been a family favorite for years, loved by all for its smoky flavor and easy preparation.

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
Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of delicious 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, slow-cooked to perfection, perfect for a hearty meal. Save
A close-up of delicious 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, slow-cooked to perfection, perfect for a hearty meal. | stellarskillet.com

We love serving this pulled pork at family gatherings, where it always disappears quickly to everyone’s delight.

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)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 32 g per serving

Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, steaming in a slow cooker, with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce visible. Save
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, steaming in a slow cooker, with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce visible. | stellarskillet.com
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This pulled pork is a delicious, hands-off meal that impresses every time.

Recipe FAQs

How long should the pork cook for the best texture?

Cooking the pork on low heat for about 8 hours allows it to become tender and easily shredded.

Can I substitute the pork shoulder with another cut?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, but other cuts may not yield the same juicy texture.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Toasted buns, coleslaw, baked potatoes, or steamed rice complement the rich pulled pork nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Using a gluten-free barbecue sauce ensures the dish fits a gluten-free diet.

How can I add more spice to the flavor?

Incorporate chili powder or cayenne pepper alongside the smoked paprika for added heat and depth.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Tender pulled pork, slow-cooked with smoky barbecue sauce, great for sandwiches or rice dishes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
480 minutes
Overall Time
490 minutes
Recipe by Gabriel Sanders


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Special Diets No Dairy, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Pork

01 3.3 pounds 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

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

Step 05

Shred the Pork: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.

Step 06

Mix and Warm: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mix thoroughly with the sauce, and heat for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Forks for shredding

Allergy Notes

Review each item for possible allergens and check with your doctor if needed.
  • Check barbecue sauce labels carefully for possible gluten, soy, or other allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are estimates only and shouldn’t replace guidance from medical professionals.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g