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A shot of the tender, shredded slow cooker pulled pork being mixed with BBQ sauce in a bowl, showing how juicy the meat is before being made into a sandwich.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (The Easiest, Juiciest Recipe!)

This easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe uses a slow cooker to create the most tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 lbs boneless or bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 8 brioche or potato buns toasted, for serving
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended.
  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 2 Forks For shredding the pork.

Instructions
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add the water or chicken broth to the bottom. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  4. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat.
  5. Skim the fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce, and stir to combine. Let it heat through for another 15 minutes. Serve the pulled pork piled high on toasted buns.

Notes

Tip 1: For an extra layer of flavor, sear the pork shoulder on all sides in a hot, oiled skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Tip 2: Leftover pulled pork is fantastic on nachos, in tacos, or mixed into mac and cheese.
Tip 3: Feel free to customize the spice rub. Add a teaspoon of cumin for earthiness or mustard powder for a tangy kick.
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