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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

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This slow cooker apple cider pulled pork is incredibly tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or fall gatherings, it requires just 10 minutes of prep and delivers a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional for serving: brioche buns, coleslaw, pickles, extra barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork shoulder: Place pork on a cutting board and trim large chunks of excess fat, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch).
  2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Apply the rub: Pat pork dry with paper towels. Generously coat all sides with the dry rub, pressing gently. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare the cooking liquid: In the slow cooker, whisk together apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Add bay leaves and stir.
  5. Place the pork in the slow cooker: Lower the seasoned pork into the liquid. Cover with lid.
  6. Cook low and slow: Set slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8-10 hours, until pork shreds easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches at least 200°F.
  7. Shred the pork: About 30 minutes before serving, remove pork with tongs and let rest 5-10 minutes. Using two forks, shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard large fat chunks.
  8. Strain and reduce the liquid: Strain cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. Discard bay leaves and solids. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Toss the pork with sauce: Return shredded pork to slow cooker or a large bowl. Pour about 1 cup of reduced liquid over meat and toss well. Add more liquid if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Pile pulled pork on toasted brioche buns. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or extra barbecue sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, serve over rice or sweet potatoes instead of buns. To reduce sugar, use 2 tablespoons brown sugar. For a Whole30 version, omit brown sugar and use dates or apple cider reduction. For keto, skip brown sugar and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps. The pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, apple cider pulled pork, pulled pork, easy pulled pork, fall recipe, game day food, comfort food

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-pulled-pork/