Tender & Tangy: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Succulent pork tenderloin meets mouthwatering BBQ sauce in this irresistible slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

Tender cuts of meat simmer gently in a rich, tangy blend of spices and sauces.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with an incredible warmth that beckons everyone to the table.

Slow cooking transforms this humble cut into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make this dish a true winner for busy home cooks.

Prepare to savor every juicy, flavor-packed morsel of this crowd-pleasing pulled pork sensation.

Steps to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Pork

• Prep the Meat

Grab your pork tenderloin and nestle it right into the slow cooker, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

• Create the Magic Sauce

Whip up a tangy sauce by mixing BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and a blend of spices in a mixing bowl until everything’s perfectly combined.

• Bathe the Pork

Pour that incredible sauce all over the tenderloin, making sure every inch gets some love.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is so tender it practically falls apart.

• Shred and Soak

Pull the pork out and use two forks to shred it into juicy, delectable pieces. Return the shredded meat back to the sauce and give it a good stir so every morsel is coated in deliciousness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pile the saucy pulled pork onto buns, stuff into tacos, spread over rice, or serve alongside your favorite BBQ companions. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Tender BBQ Pulled Pork

• Moisture Magic: Avoid overcooking by checking the pork's internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for perfect tenderness without drying out.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to customize heat – start with a pinch for mild flavor or increase for those who love bold, spicy pulled pork.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Swap pork tenderloin with chicken breasts for a lighter protein option that absorbs the same delicious BBQ sauce flavors.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This pulled pork freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent batch cooking recipe for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra pulled pork into quesadillas, loaded nachos, stuffed baked potatoes, or as a topping for loaded salads for endless meal variety.

How to Serve BBQ Pork with Style

• Southern BBQ Sandwich Extravaganza: Stack shredded pulled pork high on soft brioche buns with tangy coleslaw and crispy pickles for a classic sandwich experience.
• Loaded Pulled Pork Nachos: Spread pulled pork over tortilla chips, sprinkle with melted cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Pulled Pork Rice Bowl Delight: Layer warm rice with pulled pork, top with fresh green onions, roasted corn, and a zesty cilantro garnish for a hearty and colorful meal.
• Pulled Pork Stuffed Baked Potato: Split open a crispy baked potato, fill with warm pulled pork, add shredded cheddar cheese, and garnish with chives for a comforting dinner option.

Keep & Reheat BBQ Pulled Pork

• Smart Fridge Storage: Transfer cooled pulled pork into airtight containers. Refrigerate for 35 days, keeping meat moist and delicious. Seal tightly to prevent flavor loss and bacterial growth.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Package pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm pulled pork in microwave with splash of broth to maintain tenderness. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Add extra BBQ sauce if needed for moisture.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide cooked pulled pork into individual serving sizes. This allows easy meal prep, quick grab-and-go lunches, and flexible dining options throughout the week. Perfect for busy families and meal planners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully, perfect for slow cooking and creating melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides rich, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat, choose a quality sauce with balanced sweetness and smokiness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth to the cooking liquid, helps prevent meat from drying out during slow cooking.
• Vinegar: Brings bright acidity that cuts through richness and helps break down meat fibers for tender texture.

• Brown Sugar: Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness and helps create caramelization.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet onion essence that complements meat.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the meat deeply.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for those wanting extra spicy kick.

Tools for BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, hands-off cooking of the pork.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together all sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending sauce components evenly.
• Two Forks: Ideal for easily shredding cooked pork.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.

Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Pulled pork lovers will adore this slow cooker bbq pulled pork tenderloin that combines tender meat with tangy sauce. Succulent pork melts in your mouth, delivering classic barbecue comfort perfect for weekend gatherings and casual meals.

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Ingredients

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• 2 to 2.5 lbs (907 to 1134 g) pork tenderloin
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) barbecue sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (12.5 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• buns
• coleslaw
• rice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the pork tenderloin centrally in the slow cooker ceramic insert, creating a foundation for flavor infusion.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk BBQ sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and spice blend into a harmonious, glossy liquid that will transform the meat’s character.
3. Liquid Coating: Pour the aromatic marinade over the tenderloin, ensuring complete coverage and allowing spices to permeate deeply into the meat’s fibers.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover and set the slow cooker to low for a 6-hour gentle transformation or high for a 3-hour rapid tenderization process.
5. Meat Breakdown: Test the pork’s readiness by effortlessly pulling it apart with two forks, confirming a silky, fall-apart texture that signals perfect doneness.
6. Shredding and Finishing: Transfer the meat to a cutting board, systematically shred into delicate strands, then return to the cooking liquid, gently folding to coat each morsel with the rich, tangy sauce.
7. Serving: Plate the pulled pork in versatile presentations – tucked into burger buns, wrapped in tortillas, scattered over rice, or paired with classic BBQ accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose Lean Pork Tenderloin: Select a trimmed, low-fat cut to reduce excess grease and ensure a healthier, more tender pulled pork result.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Check slow cooker periodically to prevent meat from drying out, adding small amounts of broth if liquid reduces significantly.
• Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to create personalized flavor profiles.
• Reduce Sugar for Diet Adaptations: Substitute brown sugar with sugar-free alternatives like stevia or monk fruit for low-carb or diabetic-friendly versions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg