How to Make Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork / Easy Pulled Pork Recipe
How to Make Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork / Easy Pulled Pork Recipe is a medium American (Southern) recipe that serves 10. 850 calories per serving. Recipe by Rocco’s Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 6 hrs 45 min | Total: 7 hrs 45 min
Cost: $49.17 total, $4.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Paprika (sweet paprika)
- 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup Kosher Salt
- 2.5 tablespoons Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup Garlic Powder
- 1/8 cup Onion Powder
- 3 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard (as a binder for the rub)
- 7 pounds Pork Butt (Boneless) (also called pork shoulder)
- 1 cup Chipotle Barbecue Sauce (homemade or store‑bought)
- 2/3 cup Chicken Stock
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
Make the Dry Rub
Combine paprika, smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT10M
Apply Mustard Binder
Spread the yellow mustard evenly over the entire surface of the pork butt. The mustard helps the dry rub adhere.
Time: PT5M
Rub the Pork
Pat the dry rub onto the mustard‑coated pork butt, covering all sides. Press gently so the rub sticks.
Time: PT5M
Rest Overnight
Place the rubbed pork on a sheet tray with a rack and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to develop a bark.
Time: PT5M
Optional Broil for Caramelization
Just before cooking, set the oven to broil and place the pork under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the surface darkens slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Broiler high
Prepare Cooking Liquid
In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle barbecue sauce, chicken stock, and apple cider vinegar.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Slow Cooker
Place the pork butt into the slow cooker and pour the prepared liquid over it.
Time: PT2M
Slow Cook
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours, then check for tenderness. If still firm, continue cooking for another 45 minutes until the meat falls apart easily.
Time: PT6H45M
Temperature: Low setting
Shred the Pork
Using two forks, pull the pork apart into bite‑size pieces on a sheet pan.
Time: PT10M
Finish with Reserved Cooking Liquid
Strain the cooking liquid, reserve about 1 cup, and drizzle it over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Serve the pulled pork hot on buns, tacos, or as a main plate with your favorite sides.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 850
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ sauce), Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Mustard, Potential soy in BBQ sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar, coconut sugar
- Instead of Kosher Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Onion Powder: granulated onion
- Instead of Chili Powder: cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Cumin: ground coriander
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard
- Instead of Pork Butt (Boneless): bone‑in pork shoulder (adjust cooking time)
- Instead of Chipotle Barbecue Sauce: regular BBQ sauce with chipotle powder
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock, water with bouillon
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: white wine vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Sheet Tray with Rack
- Refrigerator
- Broiler (optional) (optional)
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Tongs
- Two Forks (for pulling)
- Strainer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make the Dry Rub
- Apply Mustard Binder
- Rub the Pork
- Rest Overnight
- Prepare Cooking Liquid
- Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Slow Cook
- Shred the Pork
- Finish with Reserved Cooking Liquid
Chef Tips from the Video
- Mustard acts as a perfect binder and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweet rub.
- Leaving the pork uncovered overnight creates a dry bark that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Reserve the cooking liquid; it’s packed with flavor and can be used as a sauce or for soups.
Troubleshooting
Pork is still tough after the suggested cooking time.
Continue cooking on low for additional 30‑45 minutes, checking every 15 minutes until it pulls apart easily.
The meat is dry.
Add more of the reserved cooking liquid or a splash of extra chicken stock, then stir gently.
Rub is too salty.
Rinse the pork briefly under cold water, pat dry, and apply a fresh thin layer of mustard before re‑rubbing with a reduced‑salt mixture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dry rub up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight jar.
- The pork can be cooked a day ahead; reheat gently with a splash of the reserved cooking liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pulled pork in Southern American cuisine?
Pulled pork is a cornerstone of Southern barbecue, originating from slow‑cooked pork shoulder cooked over wood fires. It became popular in the early 20th century as a way to tenderize tough cuts and stretch meat for large gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of pulled pork in the United States?
In North Carolina the pork is often served with a vinegar‑based sauce, while South Carolina favors a mustard‑based sauce. Texas style adds a smoky, tomato‑rich sauce, and Memphis may incorporate a dry rub similar to this recipe.
What occasions or celebrations is pulled pork traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Pulled pork is a staple at family reunions, Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, and church potlucks. Its ability to feed a crowd makes it ideal for holiday feasts and community events.
How does pulled pork fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
Southern cuisine emphasizes low‑and‑slow cooking, bold spices, and communal sharing. Pulled pork embodies these principles, pairing with classic sides like collard greens, cornbread, and baked beans.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern pulled pork versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include pork shoulder, a sweet‑savory dry rub (paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper), and a vinegar‑or tomato‑based barbecue sauce. Substitutes can include using mustard as a binder, swapping chipotle sauce for regular BBQ sauce, or using chicken stock instead of broth.
What other Southern dishes pair well with pulled pork from Rocco’s Kitchen?
Serve pulled pork alongside classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, baked beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness.
What makes this slow cooker pulled pork recipe from Rocco’s Kitchen special in Southern barbecue?
Rocco’s Kitchen uses a mustard binder and an overnight dry‑rub rest, which creates a deep bark and intense flavor. The addition of chipotle barbecue sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a smoky‑sweet‑tangy profile that stands out.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker pulled pork?
Common mistakes include skipping the overnight rub, cooking on high instead of low, and not reserving enough cooking liquid for moisture. Over‑cooking can also make the meat mushy, so monitor tenderness after the initial 6 hours.
How do I know when the pulled pork is done cooking in the slow cooker?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 195‑205 °F and pulls apart easily with two forks. It should be tender but not falling apart into mush.
What does the YouTube channel Rocco’s Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rocco’s Kitchen specializes in hearty, family‑friendly American comfort food, focusing on easy‑to‑follow recipes that use everyday ingredients and classic cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Rocco’s Kitchen’s approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Rocco’s Kitchen emphasizes practical, step‑by‑step guidance with minimal equipment, often incorporating overnight prep and slow‑cooker methods to make Southern dishes accessible for busy home cooks, unlike channels that rely on specialized grills or smokers.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
