Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with BBQ Sauce

Introduction

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with BBQ Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for gatherings, game days, or any time you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. This recipe transforms a pork shoulder into tender, juicy, pull-apart meat infused with smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ flavors.

The magic happens in the slow cooker—it does all the work, allowing the pork to cook low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Served on soft buns with extra BBQ sauce, this dish is satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and versatile.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a simple cut of pork into tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the meat with the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ sauce while keeping it perfectly moist. Every bite is packed with smoky, savory flavor that’s deeply satisfying.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its ease and convenience. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, it’s perfect for busy days, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd. You can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that feels like it took hours to make.

I also love how versatile it is. Served on soft buns, topped with coleslaw, or even as a filling for tacos or wraps, these pulled pork sandwiches are endlessly adaptable. The combination of tender pork and tangy BBQ sauce is a classic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers tender, juicy pulled pork infused with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ flavors that make every bite irresistible. The slow-cooking method ensures the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce clings to each strand, creating a deeply satisfying and flavorful experience.

It’s also a must-try because of its simplicity and convenience. With minimal prep, you can set it in the slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal that feels like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or feeding a crowd without stress.

Another reason it stands out is its versatility and universal appeal. Served on soft buns with coleslaw, as a taco filling, or even over rice, this pulled pork is adaptable and sure to please everyone at the table. The classic combination of tender meat and BBQ sauce makes it a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 sandwiches
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal (with bun and sauce)

Cuisine

• Type: American BBQ
• Cooking Method: Slow cooking
• Course: Main Dish / Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For Serving:

• Sandwich buns or rolls
• Coleslaw (optional but highly recommended)
• Pickles (optional)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Season the Pork

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
2. Rub seasoning mixture all over the pork shoulder.

Step 2 – Slow Cook the Pork

1. Place pork in the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar around (not on top of) the meat.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until pork is very tender.

Step 3 – Shred the Pork

1. Remove pork from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board.
2. Shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Step 4 – Coat in Sauce

1. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker.
2. Stir into the cooking juices and add extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Step 5 – Assemble Sandwiches

1. Toast buns if desired.
2. Pile pulled pork onto buns, top with coleslaw and pickles, and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with classic BBQ sides like baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
• Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
• For a twist, serve over baked potatoes or in tacos.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Make it smoky: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
• Spicy version: Stir in hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
• Different meat: Works with beef chuck roast or boneless chicken thighs.
• Crispy finish: Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes before serving.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pulled pork (without bun) in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight and reheat in a saucepan with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Two forks for shredding
• Large cutting board

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with BBQ Sauce is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The slow cooker ensures tender, juicy pork, while the BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.