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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Copycat Style)

Close-up of saucy, shredded pioneer woman slow cooker pulled pork piled high on a white plate.
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Make tender, shreddable pulled pork in your slow cooker using a simple spice rub for great flavor. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for sandwiches.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for mixing after shredding)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker.
  4. Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce around the pork. Do not pour directly over the rub.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  6. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Use two forks to shred the pork completely.
  8. Skim any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
  9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and the reserved cooking liquid until the meat is coated.
  10. Cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  11. Serve hot on buns with coleslaw.

Notes

  • For best results, cook the pork on the LOW setting for the longest time possible to achieve maximum tenderness.
  • This meat freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to three months.
  • Serve this pulled pork on soft rolls topped with creamy coleslaw for the classic sandwich experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/pioneer-woman-slow-cooker-pulled-pork/