Irresistible Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Juicy slow cooker bbq pulled pork tenderloin promises a mouthwatering journey through comfort food paradise.

Tender meat melts effortlessly with rich smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Minimal preparation ensures maximum satisfaction for hungry crowds.

Succulent strands of pork dripping with tangy sauce will make everyone at the table cheer.

Barbecue magic happens while you relax, letting the slow cooker work its delicious spell.

Let this recipe become your new go-to meal that sparks joy and satisfies deep cravings.

Why BBQ Pork Tenderloin Is Perfect in the Slow Cooker

• Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or when you want minimal kitchen time.
• No culinary expertise required – the slow cooker does all the hard work, guaranteeing tender, flavorful pulled pork every single time.
• Enjoy the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, over rice, or alongside classic BBQ sides, making it adaptable for multiple meals and preferences.
• Kids and adults will love the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor, creating a stress-free dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.

Ingredients That Make BBQ Pork Shine

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender cut perfect for slow cooking, provides the main protein for the dish.

• Chicken Broth, BBQ Sauce: Creates moisture and adds rich flavor depth to the pulled pork.
• Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy background note.

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides warm, aromatic spice profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a subtle heat kick for those who enjoy spiciness.

Slow Cooking Pulled Pork Until It’s Fall-Apart Good

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Place pork tenderloin into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits comfortably at the bottom.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Chicken broth
• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Whisk all ingredients until perfectly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Bathe the Meat

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the pork tenderloin, making sure it’s completely covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork is ready when it falls apart easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Tender Meat

Remove the pork from the slow cooker. Using two forks, pull the meat apart until it’s shredded into delicious, bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Reunite Meat with Sauce

Return the shredded pork to the cooking liquid. Stir gently to coat every piece with the rich, tangy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the pulled pork onto soft buns, stuff into tacos, spread over rice, or pair with your favorite barbecue side dishes. Let the feast begin!

Tips for Sweet, Smoky Flavor in Every Bite

• Select the Right Cut: Choose a high-quality pork tenderloin for the most tender and juicy pulled pork, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat preference, adding a small pinch for mild or more for a spicier kick.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Experiment with different BBQ sauce brands or mix two varieties to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Prevent Dryness: Keep liquid levels consistent by checking the slow cooker midway through cooking and adding extra broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for future quick and delicious meals.

Best Sides for Saucy Pulled Pork

• Fresh, tangy cabbage salad cuts through the rich, savory pulled pork, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that dance on your palate.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the bold BBQ sauce, enhancing the meat's smoky undertones and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Crispy, caramelized sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness and crunch that perfectly matches the tender, saucy pulled pork.
• Tart, crunchy pickle spears provide a bright, acidic counterpoint that helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich, saucy meat.

Flavor Variations to Explore with Your Sauce

• Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick.
• Honey Mustard Pulled Pork: Swap BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a tangy, sweet flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all seasonings are gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Serve pulled pork over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of buns to reduce carbohydrates.

Pork Tenderloin FAQs for the Curious Cook

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder or pork butt, which have more fat and will result in even more tender meat. Avoid using lean cuts like pork loin, as they might dry out during slow cooking.

• Is BBQ sauce the only liquid needed for cooking?

No, the recipe includes chicken broth and vinegar to help tenderize the meat and create a more complex flavor profile. These additional liquids prevent the meat from drying out and add depth to the sauce.

• How do I know when the pork is fully cooked and ready to shred?

The pork is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. At this point, the meat will be tender and simple to shred without much effort.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper to control heat levels. For more spice, add extra cayenne or include some hot sauce. For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne completely.

How to Keep BBQ Pork Tenderloin Ready for Round Two

• Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pork to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Spread pork in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place pork in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with broth, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish. Rich southern-style goodness melts together with smoky barbecue notes, promising a delicious meal that will satisfy your deepest cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 to 2.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.1 kilograms) pork tenderloin (or pork loin)

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Serving Suggestions:

• Buns
• Coleslaw
• Rice

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Instructions

1. Position the pork tenderloin at the base of the slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat and evenly.
2. Create a robust marinade by vigorously blending BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing vessel until completely incorporated.
3. Generously cascade the flavor-rich marinade over the tenderloin, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meat to tenderize gradually for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 3-4 hours until the pork reaches a fork-tender consistency.
5. Carefully extract the cooked tenderloin from the liquid and utilize two forks to meticulously pull and separate the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
6. Reintegrate the shredded pork into the remaining cooking liquid, gently folding to ensure each morsel becomes thoroughly saturated with the tangy, sweet sauce.
7. Present the pulled pork as a versatile filling for soft buns, crisp tacos, fluffy rice, or alongside classic barbecue accompaniments for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Opt for a lean pork tenderloin to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper or using a mild BBQ sauce for sensitive palates.
• For a gluten-free version, choose a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
• Enhance meal prep by making a larger batch and freezing portions for quick future meals – this pulled pork stays fresh for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg