Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Pulled Pork with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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