Name: Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup chicken broth or cola; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving); 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 12 slider buns; 2 cups prepared coleslaw; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed; Dill pickle slices

These irresistible Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders feature tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and tossed in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, piled high on soft slider buns with tangy coleslaw and pickles. Perfectly portioned, bursting with flavor, and ideal for parties, game days, or a crowd-pleasing healthy-ish dinner everyone will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and comfort food dream! The pork shoulder slow-cooks until fall-apart tender, soaking up every bit of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for that classic BBQ flavor. Topped with cool, crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles, each slider delivers the perfect balance of juicy meat, creamy slaw, and soft buns in one perfect bite. They’re easy to make ahead (the pork gets even better the next day), budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying—great for game days, backyard parties, family dinners, or meal prep. While traditional pulled pork is indulgent, this version uses leaner cuts and homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce to keep it healthier without sacrificing taste. Once you serve these, everyone will be begging for the recipe!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking—the pork practically shreds itself.
For extra smoky flavor, add 1–2 tsp liquid smoke to the sauce.
Toast the slider buns lightly with a little butter for extra flavor and to prevent sogginess.
Make the coleslaw ahead—it gets better as it sits.
Portion the pork into slider-sized amounts so each bun gets the perfect amount of filling.
For crispier edges, broil the assembled sliders for 1–2 minutes after adding sauce.

Yield: 8 Servings

Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders

Tender pulled pork with BBQ sauce, coleslaw & pickles on soft slider buns—ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup chicken broth or cola
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
12 slider buns
2 cups prepared coleslaw
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
Dill pickle slices

Instructions

Season the pork! Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub it all over with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Layer the slow cooker! Place sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the seasoned pork on top.
Add flavor! Pour chicken broth (or cola) around the pork, then drizzle ½ cup barbecue sauce over the top.
Slow cook to perfection! Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Shred the pork! Remove pork to a large bowl, shred with two forks (discard any excess fat), and return to the slow cooker.
Sauce it up! Stir in the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce (or more to taste) until the pork is beautifully coated and juicy.
Warm the buns! Lightly toast the slider buns in a skillet or oven—this adds extra flavor and prevents sogginess.
Assemble the base! Spread a little extra BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun.
Pile it high! Generously spoon pulled pork onto each bun, then top with a scoop of coleslaw and a few dill pickle slices.
Finish and enjoy! Cap with the top bun, secure with a toothpick if desired, and serve immediately—watch everyone fight over these amazing sliders!

Notes

For Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release.
The pork tastes even better the next day—perfect for make-ahead meals!
Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness/spiciness to your preference.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 957Total Fat 58gSaturated Fat 19gUnsaturated Fat 39gCholesterol 208mgSodium 1155mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 4gSugar 24gProtein 60g

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 (Boston butt): The ideal cut for pulled pork—marbled with fat that melts during slow cooking, creating juicy, tender meat.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite smoky-sweet sauce—choose low-sugar versions for a healthier option or make homemade for full control.
Slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls or potato buns work best—they hold up to the juicy pork without falling apart.
Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy homemade or store-bought slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the pork.
Dill pickles: Thinly sliced for bright tang and crunch—essential for classic BBQ flavor.
Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Simple seasonings that enhance the pork’s natural flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier version: Use pork tenderloin or chicken breast instead of shoulder, and low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Spicy BBQ sliders: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to the pork.
Hawaiian BBQ sliders: Use pineapple juice in the cooking liquid and top with grilled pineapple.
Low-carb/keto: Serve the pulled pork and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Different meat: Try pulled chicken, turkey, or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Extra toppings: Add coleslaw, pickled red onions, or crispy fried onions.
Make-ahead sliders: Assemble, wrap in foil, and reheat in the oven for parties.

Storage Options

Store pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce. Coleslaw keeps 3–4 days refrigerated. Assemble sliders fresh each time to keep buns from getting soggy.