5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Comfort Classics

This dish features tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with smoked paprika, salt, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. Cooked on low for eight hours, the pork becomes juicy and easy to shred. The flavorful mixture offers a perfect balance of smoky and savory notes. Serve on buns with coleslaw or over rice for a comforting meal. Variations like adding chili powder can spice it up, while gluten-free sauces accommodate dietary needs. Leftovers freeze well, making meal prep simple.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:42:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, a heap of juicy, slow-cooked shredded meat, ready to serve. Save
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, a heap of juicy, slow-cooked shredded meat, ready to serve. | aeroflavor.com

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

This BBQ pulled pork quickly became a family favorite after the first time I served it at a weekend gathering.

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 steaming 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, savory and delicious, perfect for sandwiches. Save
A close-up of steaming 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, savory and delicious, perfect for sandwiches. | aeroflavor.com

Sharing this pulled pork with my family always brings back warm memories of weekend dinners and laughter.

Serving Suggestions

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

Storage Tips

Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

Dietary Notes

Gluten-Free option available by selecting a gluten-free barbecue sauce; check labels carefully for allergens.

Smoky 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, pulled apart and glistening with sauce, served with coleslaw. Save
Smoky 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, pulled apart and glistening with sauce, served with coleslaw. | aeroflavor.com

This pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser every time and easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork works best for slow cooking?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal due to its marbling and fat content, which keeps the meat tender during long cooking.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, a Dutch oven can be used to cook the pork slowly in the oven at low heat for a similar tender result.

How can I add extra spice to this dish?

Adding chili powder or cayenne pepper before cooking introduces a spicy kick that complements the smoky flavors.

What are good serving suggestions for pulled pork?

Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw, over baked potatoes, or alongside rice to soak up the sauce.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be frozen for up to two months, maintaining flavor and texture when reheated gently.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked with smoky barbecue flavors, ideal for sandwiches or rice.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
480 min
Full Time
490 min
Created by Mason Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info 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

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

  • Slow cooker or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Forks for shredding

Allergy Details

Always check every ingredient for allergens. Ask your healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

For informational use only, this doesn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 350
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g