Name: Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup chicken broth or water; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); 1/3 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice preference); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in); 4 cloves garlic, minced

This Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork is a mouthwatering dish that balances rich, sweet flavors with a fiery kick. Slow-cooked for hours, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up a vibrant sauce made with brown sugar, chipotle, and spices. Perfect for busy days, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork is a game-changer for busy cooks who crave bold, satisfying flavors without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a humble pork shoulder into a tender, juicy masterpiece that’s bursting with sweet and spicy goodness. The customizable heat level makes it perfect for everyone, from spice lovers to those who prefer a milder bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a tailgate or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this versatile dish shines in sandwiches, tacos, or bowls. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim the Fat: For a leaner dish, trim excess fat before cooking, but keep some for moisture.
Spice it Up: Add extra chipotle or cayenne for more heat, or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Save Time: Skip searing for a quicker prep, though it adds depth of flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce the night before to save morning prep time.
Double Batch: This recipe freezes well, so make extra for future meals.

Yield: Serves 8

Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork

Tender, juicy pulled pork with a sweet-spicy kick, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chicken broth or water
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice preference)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This locks in juices and enhances flavor.
Layer the Crock Pot: Place sliced onions at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Add minced garlic, then place the seared pork on top.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Add chicken broth to thin the sauce slightly.
Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
Check Doneness: The pork should easily pull apart with a fork. If it resists, cook for an additional 30-60 minutes.
Shred the Pork: Remove the pork to a cutting board. Shred using two forks, discarding excess fat or bone. Skim fat from the sauce in the Crock Pot if desired.
Combine with Sauce: Return shredded pork to the Crock Pot, stirring to coat with the sauce. Let it sit on the “warm” setting for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the pork and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve on buns for sliders, in tacos, or over rice. Garnish with coleslaw, pickles, or fresh cilantro for added flair.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan after shredding and simmer until reduced, then mix back with the pork.
Adjust spice levels by reducing chipotle or omitting cayenne for a milder dish.
Leftovers freeze beautifully, making this a great meal-prep option.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 645Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 154mgSodium 660mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 1gSugar 25gProtein 41g

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

Ingredients Notes

Pork Shoulder: Also called pork butt, this cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy. Bone-in adds extra flavor, but boneless is easier to shred.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These add smoky heat. Use less for milder flavor or more for a bold kick. Freeze leftovers in small portions for future recipes.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the spice. Light or dark brown sugar works; dark adds a deeper molasses flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess to cut through the richness. Substitute with white vinegar if needed, but apple cider enhances the flavor profile.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness. Regular paprika can work, but smoked adds BBQ authenticity.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Swap: Substitute pork with beef chuck roast for a different flavor profile; adjust cooking time slightly for tenderness.
Sweetener Options: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique sweetness. Adjust to taste.
Spice Variations: Swap chipotle for ancho chiles or hot sauce for a different heat profile.
Low-Carb Version: Serve with lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice instead of buns.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your ketchup and broth for hidden gluten.
Vegetarian Twist: Use jackfruit instead of pork for a plant-based version; reduce cooking time to 4-5 hours.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a bit of water or broth when reheating to restore moisture.