5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Family Classics

This dish features tender pork shoulder slow-cooked for eight hours with smoked paprika, salt, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. The slow cooking method produces juicy, flavorful meat that shreds easily for sandwiches or hearty meals. Simply season the pork, add the liquids, and let the heat work its magic until the meat is falling-apart tender. Variations include adding chili powder for extra spice or serving with coleslaw or baked potatoes. Ideal for easy meal preparation and freezes well for later enjoyment.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:04:00 GMT
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork simmering in a slow cooker, ready for easy shredding. Pin It
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork simmering in a slow cooker, ready for easy shredding. | rapidtongs.com

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

I first served this to my family and everyone loved the tender, flavorful meat that was perfect for sandwiches.

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

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.
A close-up of tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, swimming in rich barbecue sauce after cooking. Pin It
A close-up of tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, swimming in rich barbecue sauce after cooking. | rapidtongs.com

This dish has become a family favorite for weekend gatherings and casual dinners.

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)

Shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork piled high, ideal for sandwiches alongside coleslaw or potatoes. Pin It
Shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork piled high, ideal for sandwiches alongside coleslaw or potatoes. | rapidtongs.com

This simple recipe is perfect for busy days but delivers satisfying , home-cooked flavor.

Your Questions Answered

What cut of pork works best for this dish?

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for slow cooking, offering rich marbling that becomes tender and juicy.

Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?

Yes, homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce can be used depending on your flavor preference.

How long should the pork be cooked?

Slow cook on low for about 8 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with forks.

Is there a way to add spiciness?

Adding a half teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper before cooking provides a spicy kick.

How can leftovers be stored?

Leftover shredded pork can be refrigerated or frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with smoky barbecue sauce for flavorful, juicy servings.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
480 minutes
Complete Time
490 minutes
Created by Lily Turner


Skill Level Needed Easy

Cuisine Style American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences No 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Slow cook pork: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Alerts

Always review every item for allergens. If unsure, talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify product labels carefully.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use these numbers as a helpful reference, not as personal health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 350
  • Fat Content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein Amount: 32 g