This succulent slow-cooked pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches, pasta dishes, or simply enjoying on its own. With a harmonious blend of savory Italian flavors and the ease of slow cooking, it’s a family-friendly dinner idea that will have your loved ones asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale:
3-4 lbs pork shoulder (butt or picnic shoulder)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
2 teaspoons salt (kosher)
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 cup chicken broth or low-sodium stock
1 cup homemade barbecue sauce or your favorite store-bought version
Optional: Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional: Shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Pickled red onions
Optional: Crusty Italian bread or hamburger buns
Instructions
Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat the pork with the seasoning mix.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork shoulder and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.
Transfer the seared pork shoulder to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, and then drizzle the barbecue sauce over the top. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the remaining sauce. Let it cook on warm for an additional 15-30 minutes.
