Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, tender pork shoulder slow-roasted and basted with a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce that balances heat and sweetness for a hearty main dish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 350 minutes blends pork shoulder, bone-in, olive oil, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 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 520 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: 330 min Serves 8 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Pat 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder dry with paper towels and rub evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a roasting pan. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 cup water. Pour half of this barbecue sauce around the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and roast the pork for 5 hours, basting every hour with remaining barbecue sauce and pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the exterior is caramelized and slightly crispy.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing or shredding to serve with extra smoky chipotle barbecue sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 350 minutes (20 min prep + 330 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue 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-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce?

American 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.

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