5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This dish features boneless pork shoulder slow-cooked with smoked paprika, salt, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth until tender and juicy. The meat is shredded and combined with the rich sauce to enhance flavor. Simple preparation and long cooking result in a texture perfect for sandwiches or served over rice. Optional spices can add heat, and gluten-free alternatives make it suitable for special diets. Leftover portions freeze well, making it a convenient, flavorful meal option.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:47:00 GMT
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, glistening with sauce, ready to be shredded and enjoyed on a bun. Save
Tender 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, glistening with sauce, ready to be shredded and enjoyed on a bun. | fusionspatula.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 dinners 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

Product image
Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
Check price on Amazon
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
Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Check doneness of meats, candy, and baked goods instantly for safer, perfectly cooked results.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, smoky and delicious, perfect for a feast. Save
A close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, smoky and delicious, perfect for a feast. | fusionspatula.com

This recipe brings everyone together enjoying hearty comfort food.

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.

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.

Juicy shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, seasoned and bubbling in a slow cooker, a family favorite. Save
Juicy shredded 5-Ingredient BBQ pulled pork, seasoned and bubbling in a slow cooker, a family favorite. | fusionspatula.com
Product image
Cushioned mats provide comfort while cooking, absorbing spills near the sink and stove for cleaner meal prep.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this flavorful pulled pork recipe that’s uncomplicated and delicious every time.

Recipe FAQs

What cut of pork is best for this dish?

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

Can I cook this without a slow cooker?

Yes, using a Dutch oven in the oven at low heat will yield similar tender results.

How long should the pork cook for best results?

Slow cooking for 8 hours on low heat ensures the pork becomes tender enough to shred easily.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before cooking for a spicy kick.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce, the dish can accommodate gluten-free needs.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Tender pork shoulder cooked slowly with smoky barbecue sauce, ideal for hearty meals.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
480 minutes
Overall time
490 minutes
Created by Liam Johnson

Food Type Everyday Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet info No dairy

What You Need

Pork

01 3.3 pounds 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 0.5 cup chicken broth

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 04

Slow cook pork: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Review ingredients for allergens and check with a medical expert if needed.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition details (per serving)

Nutrition facts are estimates for informational reasons and aren't medical guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 350
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Protein amount: 32 grams