This Smoky Chipotle Pork Roast is a slow-cooker masterpiece, delivering tender, juicy pork infused with smoky, spicy chipotle flavors. Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal prep, yet yields a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests with a Southwestern flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Smoky Chipotle Pork Roast is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a humble pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The chipotle peppers and smoked paprika create a deep, smoky heat that’s perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the bright zing of lime. It’s versatile enough for tacos, burritos, or bowls, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is irresistible, promising a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Maximize Flavor: Marinate the pork in the chipotle sauce overnight in the fridge for even more intense flavor.
- Time-Saver: Prep the sauce and onions the night before to make morning assembly a breeze.
- Shredding Hack: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred pork quickly and evenly.
- Spice Control: Taste the sauce before adding to the slow cooker and adjust chipotle or sugar as needed.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm tortillas, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a taco night hit.
Smoky Chipotle Pork Roast in Slow Cooker
Tender, smoky chipotle pork roast slow-cooked to perfection, infused with bold flavors for a mouthwatering, easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (plus 2 tbsp adobo sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides for a flavorful base.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the pork.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar. Stir in chicken broth and lime juice for a zesty, smoky blend.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seared pork on top of the onions. Pour the chipotle sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully transfer the pork to a large bowl. Shred using two forks, discarding any excess fat or bone.
- Skim the Sauce: Skim excess fat from the liquid in the slow cooker. Blend the remaining sauce and onions until smooth for a rich, smoky gravy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, toss with the sauce, and let it soak up the flavors for 10 minutes.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair with tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice levels; one pepper for mild, three for bold heat.
- Searing is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the blended sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per ServingCalories 2721Total Fat 199gSaturated Fat 72gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 109gCholesterol 817mgSodium 1200mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 212g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
The pork shoulder is the star, offering rich, tender results due to its marbling—bone-in adds extra flavor, but boneless works too. Chipotle peppers in adobo bring smoky heat; adjust the quantity for your spice preference. Smoked paprika enhances the smokiness, while brown sugar balances the heat with subtle sweetness. Chicken broth keeps the roast moist, and fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy finish. Use fresh garlic and onions for maximum flavor depth.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Swap: Substitute pork with beef chuck roast for a different but equally tender result.
- Spice Alternatives: Use ancho chiles or smoked chili powder if chipotle is too spicy.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with jackfruit for a plant-based version; reduce cooking time to 4 hours.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce salt for a heart-healthier dish.
- Sweetness Adjust: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Veggies: Toss in carrots or bell peppers with the onions for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers 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 shredded pork with sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.
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