My Texas friend served this at a party, and it's been the best we've ever had!

What's more comforting than a tender, juicy pulled pork right out of your slow cooker? This Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and a staple for any family gathering, potluck, or a cozy night at home. Rooted in the bold flavors of the Lone Star State, this dish brings the smoky sweetness of Texas barbecue to your dinner table without the need for an actual pit. It's a simple way to savor the rich and robust tastes that have made Texas barbecue a storied American tradition. Plus, the beauty of this dish is that it practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy parents who want to serve up a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

This succulent pork pairs beautifully with classic sides like a tangy coleslaw, a warm batch of homemade cornbread, or a crisp green salad. Don't forget a side of baked beans and a helping of mac 'n' cheese for that indulgent touch. For an outdoor touch to your family dinner, lay out some soft buns and let everyone build their own pulled pork sandwiches. A sweet iced tea or lemonade would complete the meal wonderfully.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
Servings: This recipe yields about 8 servings.

- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
- Soft burger buns, for serving

1. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, coarse salt, and ground black pepper to make the spice rub.

2. Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels and then rub the spice mixture all over it, making sure to cover every nook.

3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and minced garlic. Pour this sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.

7. Skim off any excess fat from the juices left in the slow cooker and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Return the shredded pork into the slow cooker and stir it into the juices.

8. Serve the pulled pork warm on soft burger buns with extra barbecue sauce as desired.

- For little ones who prefer things on the milder side, you can reduce the spices in the rub by half.
- If there are members of the family who are not fans of smoky flavors, feel free to omit the liquid smoke.
- Leftovers are fantastic, and they freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch to enjoy at a later date.
- For those who love some heat, add a finely chopped chipotle in adobo or a dash of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce mixture.
- Remember, the longer and slower you cook the pork, the more tender it becomes, so if you have the time, let it go nice and slow on the low setting.
- If you're looking for a lighter option, serve the pulled pork over a baked sweet potato or alongside a hearty salad.