This tender and juicy Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe features a homemade dry rub that gives it tons of flavor. Serve it on warm hamburger buns or kaiser rolls with coleslaw and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe

Tender pulled pork barbecue can be served as an entree, stuffed into warm buns or over rice and mashed potatoes. It’s a cost effective way to feed a crowd and any leftovers will freeze beautifully for future meals. How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Prepare Slow Cooker – Spray the liner of a crockpot with cooking spray. Pour apple juice and liquid smoke into the crockpot.
Dry Rub – In a large bowl whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, paprika, dark chili powder, salt, ground cumin, ground chipotle pepper, lemon pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
Coat Pork – To the bowl add the cubed pork butt tossing to generously coating on all sides.
Transfer to Slow Cooker – Arrange pork in crockpot. Place the lid on top and lock into place.
Slow Cook – Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until fork tender. (Adjust cooking time when using a larger whole pork butt. You may need to cook it from 8-10 hours.)
Shred Pork – Once tender remove from the crockpot and shred using two forks removing all visible fat. Discard cooking liquid reserving 1/2-1 cup.
Add Barbecue Sauce – Return shredded pork to the crockpot and drizzle with reserved drippings and barbecue sauce. Simmer on high for 30-45 minutes.
Stir gently to combine then serve immediately on toasted rolls.

How to Make the Best Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Crockpot Pulled Pork: One 6-8 pound pork butt cut into large chunks, apple juice and liquid smoke i.e. mesquite or hickory flavored, prepared barbecue sauce. You’ll also need warm hamburger buns or kaiser rolls for serving.
Ingredients to make the homemade dry rub: Granulated sugar, light brown sugar, smoked paprika, dark chili powder, salt, ground cumin, lemon pepper, ground chipotle pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: 6 quart or similar size crockpot, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, large bowl and forks.
Why cube the pork? The purpose of cubing the pork is to allow the rub to permeate more of the meat. If you should so choose you can make this recipe without cubing the pork butt and cook it whole. When doing so, you may need to add 1-2 hours to the cooking time for a total of 8-10 hours.
I recommend reserving some of the cooking liquid to add back to the shredded pork when combining with the barbecue sauce. Depending on the size of the pork butt you end up cooking you can use up to 1 cup of cooking liquid.
Which barbecue sauce is best for pork barbecue? I recommend using a brand and flavor of barbecue sauce that you already enjoy. For this recipe, it’s best to use a thicker sauce to simmer with the shredded pork.
Store cooked Crockpot Pulled Pork chilled in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.

What’s the Difference Between Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder

Pork butt and pork shoulder both come from the shoulder area of the pig but they have some notable differences. Choose pork butt for fall-apart-tender meat and a rich flavor, and pork shoulder when you want the meat to hold its shape for slicing.

Pork Butt:
- Comes from the thicker section of the pig’s shoulder and includes parts of the neck, shoulder blade, and upper leg.
- Contains fat, marbling and connective tissue.
- Often comes with the fat cap intact.
- Suitable for pulled pork barbecue, braising, smoking and stewing.
Pork Shoulder:
- Comes from the thinner, triangle-shaped end of the pig’s shoulder, just above the front leg.
- It’s slightly leaner and has less marbling and fat than pork butt.
- Often sold with the skin on and a layer of fat.
- Holds its shape when sliced or chopped.
- Suitable for roasting, slicing, smoking, braising, and stewing.

More Crockpot and Slow Cooker Recipes to Make

Crockpot Chili for game day and casual dining.
My Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a one dish meal.
Homemade Crockpot Barbecue Pork and Beans are a game changer.
Cheesy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese is a lifesaver on busy oven days.
Crockpot Pulled Chicken Tacos make an easy homemade fiesta.
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing is comfort food made easy.
Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Slow Cooker Bread from Sweet and Savory Meals.

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