5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender pork shoulder slow-cooked for hours until it easily shreds with a fork. Seasoned with smoked paprika and salt, it simmers in flavorful barbecue sauce and chicken broth, melding smoky and savory notes. Ideal for a simple, fuss-free meal, it’s perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or alongside your favorite sides. Optional spice additions allow customization, while leftovers freeze well, providing a versatile, satisfying protein option.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:11:00 GMT
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, tenderly pulled and glistening from a slow cooker, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, tenderly pulled and glistening from a slow cooker, ready to eat. | primespatula.com

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

This recipe has become a family favorite for weekend meals and gatherings.

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
Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, with rich sauce and a perfect texture for serving. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, with rich sauce and a perfect texture for serving. | primespatula.com

This dish always brings everyone together sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Notes

For a spicier version add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw or over baked potatoes Use gluten-free BBQ sauce for a gluten-free dish

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

Smoky American 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, piled high and ready, perfect for sandwiches with coleslaw. Save to Pinterest
Smoky American 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, piled high and ready, perfect for sandwiches with coleslaw. | primespatula.com
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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
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This pulled pork is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork works best for this dish?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal due to their marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I use a different cooking method than a slow cooker?

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

How do I make the pork spicier?

Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasonings before cooking.

What are good serving suggestions?

This pork pairs well with toasted buns, coleslaw, baked potatoes, or served over rice.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce to ensure the dish meets gluten-free requirements.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Juicy pulled pork slow-cooked with smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
480 mins
Overall Time
490 mins
By Prime Spatula Oliver Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Slow cook pork: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork.

Step 05

Shred meat: 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.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutrition info is for general reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g