Name: Slow Cooker Classic BBQ Pulled Pork with a Smoky Kick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder; 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite); ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

This Slow Cooker Classic BBQ Pulled Pork with a Smoky Kick is a flavor-packed treat! Juicy pork simmers in BBQ sauce with a smoky, spicy edge. Easy, tender, and bold—perfect for sandwiches or solo, bringing classic BBQ vibes with a fiery twist!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Pork Pick: Shoulder or butt—fattier cuts shred best.
Low Heat: Cook on low—melts it into tender perfection.

Smoky Boost: Liquid smoke—small amount, big flavor.
Shred Warm: Use forks—pulls apart easier hot.
Juice Reserve: Save drippings—keeps leftovers moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Classic BBQ Pulled Pork with a Smoky Kick—it’s a slow cooker masterpiece that’ll fill your home with irresistible smoky aromas and make your taste buds sing with every tender bite! You’ll love how this recipe takes a classic BBQ favorite and amps it up with a bold, smoky kick, turning a humble pork shoulder into a juicy, flavor-packed delight with just a few ingredients and zero fuss—perfect for anyone who craves that deep, barbecue pit vibe without firing up the grill. It’s ideal for those lazy weekends when you want a hands-off meal that feels like a treat, or those gatherings where you want to wow your crew with something hearty and memorable—just set it in the crockpot and let it do the heavy lifting. The BBQ sauce brings that tangy, sweet base you know and love, while the liquid smoke and spices add a rich, fiery edge, creating a pulled pork that’s smoky, succulent, and downright addictive, ready to pile onto buns, scoop over rice, or enjoy straight from the pot. This dish is a versatile, crowd-pleasing champ that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or any time you need a taste of BBQ bliss—its classic roots with a spicy twist will make it a keeper in your kitchen!

Yield: Serves 8

Slow Cooker Classic BBQ Pulled Pork with a Smoky Kick

Classic BBQ pulled pork with smoky spice—slow cooker perfection!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless pork shoulder

1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Get Rolling: Grab your crockpot—any size that fits the pork—and let’s dive in!
Prep the Pork: Unwrap that pork shoulder—trim excess fat if you like—and nestle it in the crockpot!

Mix the Base: In a bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika—smoky goodness incoming!
Pour It On: Dump that smoky sauce mix over the pork—make sure it’s coated all over!
Set It Slow: Lid on, set it to low for 8 hours—or high for 4-5 if you’re short on time!

Smell the Magic: When it’s tender and falling apart—oh, that smell!—lift it out with tongs to a cutting board!
Shred It Up: Use two forks to pull the pork apart—shred it nice and fine, soaking in that smoky vibe!
Back in the Juices: Toss the shredded pork back into the crockpot—mix it with those tasty juices for extra flavor!

Taste and Tweak: Give it a taste—add a splash more BBQ sauce or a pinch of spice if you want!
Serve It Hot: Scoop it onto buns, over rice, or solo—serve warm and enjoy this smoky, spicy treat!

Notes

Shred warm—makes it quick and juicy!
Liquid smoke—use sparingly, it’s potent.

Perfect for leftovers—sandwiches, nachos, or bowls!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 757Total Fat 49gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 204mgSodium 704mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 18gProtein 54g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lbs, boneless—juicy and shreddable; bone-in adds depth if you’ve got time.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite—sweet and tangy; smoky varieties enhance the kick.

Chicken Broth: Low-sodium—moistens without overpowering; water works too.
Liquid Smoke: Key for smokiness—hickory or mesquite; a little goes far.
Paprika: Smoked—deepens flavor; regular paprika is milder.

Variations and Substitutions

This pork loves a remix! Swap pork for beef brisket or chicken thighs—still shreds great. No BBQ sauce? Blend ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar—close enough! Use beef broth, apple cider, or beer instead of chicken broth—adds a unique twist. No liquid smoke? Try smoked salt or extra smoked paprika—keeps the vibe. Dial up the heat with cayenne, hot sauce, or chili flakes—customize the kick! Sweeten with honey or molasses for balance—tames the spice. Gluten-free? Check BBQ sauce—most are safe. Add garlic, onion powder, or cumin for extra layers—serve on buns, with coleslaw, or over cornbread for variety. This recipe bends to your pantry and spice tolerance—keep it classic or spice it your way!