5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features boneless pork shoulder seasoned with smoked paprika and salt, cooked slowly in a smoky barbecue sauce blended with chicken broth. After eight hours on low heat, the pork becomes tender enough to shred easily, allowing the sauce to mingle with every bite. It can be served on buns, alongside coleslaw, or over rice or baked potatoes. A simple, flavorful meal requiring minimal ingredients and effort.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:23:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with a rich barbecue glaze, ready to be shredded. Save to Pinterest
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with a rich barbecue glaze, ready to be shredded. | matrixbowl.com

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

I love how effortlessly this pulled pork comes together after a day in the slow cooker, making it a family favorite every time.

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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Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of succulent 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, slow-cooked to perfection, ideal for sandwiches. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of succulent 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, slow-cooked to perfection, ideal for sandwiches. | matrixbowl.com

This recipe always sparks warm family gatherings where everyone enjoys the rich smoky flavor.

Notes

Serve on toasted buns, with coleslaw, or over baked potatoes. Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.

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.

A steaming bowl of flavorful 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, with a smoky aroma, perfect for a hearty meal. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of flavorful 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, with a smoky aroma, perfect for a hearty meal. | matrixbowl.com
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This pulled pork is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, enjoyed by all.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork is best for this dish?

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt works best due to its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding chili powder or cayenne pepper enhances the heat without overpowering the smoky flavors.

Is slow cooking necessary for tender pork?

Slow cooking at low heat for several hours breaks down connective tissues, resulting in perfectly tender and juicy meat.

Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?

Absolutely, homemade sauces add a personal touch and can be adjusted to taste for sweetness, tanginess, or spice.

How can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers freeze well for up to two months, making it convenient for future meals.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

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

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
480 minutes
Overall Time
490 minutes
Created by Zoey Rogers


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Makes 6 Serving Size

Dietary Info No Dairy

What You 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 Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

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 and shred using two forks.

Step 06

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

Tools Required

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

Allergy Details

Check ingredients for allergens; reach out to a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify labels.

Nutrition (per serving)

This info serves as a general guide and isn't medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 350
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams