5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Family Meals

This dish features a boneless pork shoulder slow-cooked for eight hours until tender and easily shredded. Infused with smoked paprika, salt, and a rich barbecue sauce, the pork develops deep smoky flavors. The slow cooking method ensures juicy meat ideal for sandwiches, rice bowls, or other favorite sides. Adjust spice levels with chili powder or cayenne, and choose gluten-free sauce to accommodate dietary needs. Leftovers freeze well for convenient future meals.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:48:00 GMT
Juicy, slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, ready to be shredded and served on a bun. Save
Juicy, slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, ready to be shredded and served on a bun. | milestonepan.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 on a weekend and everyone loved how flavorful and tender the pork was after slow cooking all day.

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
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, coated in rich, glossy barbecue sauce. Save
A close-up of tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, coated in rich, glossy barbecue sauce. | milestonepan.com

This recipe has become a family favorite with weekend lunches that bring everyone together to enjoy a hearty meal.

Tips for Serving

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

Variations

For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Fork-tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, delicious and easy, perfect for sandwiches with coleslaw. Save
Fork-tender 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, delicious and easy, perfect for sandwiches with coleslaw. | milestonepan.com
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This simple recipe brings smoky, tender pulled pork to your table with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork is best for this dish?

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal due to its marbling, which keeps the meat tender and juicy during slow cooking.

How long should I cook the pork for optimal tenderness?

Cooking on low heat for about eight hours allows the pork to become tender enough to shred easily.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding chili powder or cayenne pepper before cooking can add a spicier kick.

Is it necessary to shred the pork after cooking?

Shredding helps distribute the sauce evenly and enhances the texture, making it perfect for sandwiches or other dishes.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and double-check all labels for hidden gluten ingredients.

What are some serving suggestions?

Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw, over baked potatoes, or alongside rice for a hearty meal.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

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

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
480 min
Time Needed
490 min
Created by Caleb Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Yielded 6 Number of Servings

Special Diets 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 Make

Step 01

Prepare pork for cooking: Place the pork shoulder in a 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 meat.

Step 04

Cook pork slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

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 thoroughly, and heat for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review each ingredient for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition (per serving)

For informational use only. Always consult with a health professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g