Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, smoky bourbon-infused barbecue sauce, capturing the essence of Kentucky flavors. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes blends trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder, salt, black pepper 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 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a small bowl and rub evenly over 4 lbs trimmed pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes until browned and caramelized. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and toss with remaining sauce in the slow cooker before serving on buns, over rice, or with coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ 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 Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ 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 Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ 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 Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce?

American slow cooker 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.

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