Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce
Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a smoky ancho chili and chipotle sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or hearty plates. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends pork shoulder, boneless, peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ancho chili powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp ancho chili powder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Roughly chop 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and blend with 2 tbsp ancho chili powder, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: Pat dry 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder and rub all over with 2 tbsp olive oil. Place in slow cooker and pour the chili sauce evenly over the pork.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup water to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, then mix with the cooking juices for extra flavor. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooked Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Ancho Chili Sauce?
Mexican pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
