5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection with smoked paprika and smoky barbecue sauce. The meat becomes juicy and easy to shred, absorbing rich, smoky flavors that make it versatile for sandwiches or served over rice. With only five main ingredients and simple preparation, this slow-cooked pork brings bold American barbecue taste to your table with minimal effort.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:07:00 GMT
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, tenderly shredded, ready to be enjoyed on a bun. Save
Juicy 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, tenderly shredded, ready to be enjoyed on a bun. | brilliantcrust.com

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

I love making this pulled pork because it fills the house with amazing aromas and everyone asks for seconds.

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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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
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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
Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with barbecue sauce and steam. Save
A close-up of slow-cooked 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, glistening with barbecue sauce and steam. | brilliantcrust.com

This recipe has become a family favorite, perfect for weekend gatherings and potlucks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on toasted buns, with coleslaw, or over baked potatoes for satisfying meals.

Variations

For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Pile of savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, perfect for sandwiches, with a smoky aroma enticing you. Save
Pile of savory 5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork, perfect for sandwiches, with a smoky aroma enticing you. | brilliantcrust.com
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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This pulled pork recipe is a foolproof way to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Recipe Q&A

What cut of pork works best for this dish?

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

How long should the pork cook for optimal tenderness?

Cooking on low heat for about 8 hours ensures the pork becomes very tender and easy to shred.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, adding chili powder or cayenne pepper enhances heat while maintaining the smoky barbecue flavor.

What are good serving suggestions?

This pork pairs well with toasted buns, coleslaw, baked potatoes, or even over rice for a hearty meal.

Can leftovers be stored safely?

Leftover pulled pork freezes well for up to two months, making it convenient for future meals.

5-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow-cooked pork shoulder with smoked paprika and smoky barbecue sauce, ideal for sandwiches or rice.

Time to prep
10 min
Time to cook
480 min
Overall time
490 min
Created by Isabella Davis


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Makes 6 Number of servings

Diet considerations 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 It

Step 01

Prepare Pork: Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

Step 02

Season Meat: 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

Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded 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, stir well with sauce, and heat through for 10 minutes before serving.

What you'll need

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

Allergy notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and get medical advice if you're unsure.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens—verify ingredient labels.

Nutritional info (per serving)

Nutrition info is meant to guide only—it's not a replacement for professional medical input.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g