5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This dish features boneless pork shoulder slow-cooked for hours until tender and easy to shred. Seasoned with smoked paprika and salt, it’s simmered in a rich barbecue sauce blended with chicken broth, creating a juicy, smoky flavor profile. Perfect for layering on toasted buns, serving over rice, or pairing with sides like coleslaw or baked potatoes. Gluten-free when using suitable sauce, it offers a simple, flavorful option with minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, ideal for busy days or gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:48:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, a heap of shredded meat glistening with barbecue sauce. Save
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, a heap of shredded meat glistening with barbecue sauce. | pulsebaker.com

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

I have always enjoyed how effortless it is to come home to this flavorful dish after a busy day, knowing the slow cooker did all the work.

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.
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Product image
Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, ready to be pulled and tossed. Save
Close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, ready to be pulled and tossed. | pulsebaker.com

This pulled pork always brings the family together at dinner time especially on weekends.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (or Dutch oven for oven method) Cutting board Knife Forks (for shredding)

Allergen Information

Contains None inherently but BBQ sauce may contain gluten soy or other allergens — check labels carefully.

Nutritional Information

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

A steaming bowl of 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, served over rice with a rich, smoky aroma. Save
A steaming bowl of 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, served over rice with a rich, smoky aroma. | pulsebaker.com
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This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes dinner time easy and delicious every time.

Questions & Answers

What cut of pork is best for this dish?

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I use a different cooking method besides slow cooker?

Yes, a Dutch oven in the oven can be used at low heat for similar tender results.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with the pulled pork?

It pairs well with toasted buns, coleslaw, baked potatoes, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by selecting a gluten-free barbecue sauce, the dish can accommodate gluten-free diets.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

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

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
480 min
Time Required
490 min
Created by Olivia Carter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Details No Dairy

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: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.

Step 02

Season pork: Evenly sprinkle smoked paprika and salt over the pork.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Shred pork: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks.

Step 06

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over the ingredients for possible allergens, and speak to a professional about concerns.
  • Check barbecue sauce for gluten, soy, or other potential allergens.

Nutrition per Serving

Pulse Baker gives this for general use. It isn't medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 350
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 32 g