Smoky & Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork
Equipment
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker This is your best friend for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven in a low oven (around 275°F) will work.
- Cutting board & knife For prepping the pork and veggies.
- Tongs or two forks Essential for shredding the pork once it’s tender.
- Measuring cups and spoons To get the seasoning balance just right.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce from the chipotle can
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional but adds depth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Prep the Pork
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Layer the Base
- Place the sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Build the Flavor
- In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook It
- Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions and pour the chipotle mixture over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
Shred & Finish
- Use two forks to shred the pork directly in the crockpot. Stir in the lime juice and let the pork soak up all the juices for 15 more minutes before serving.
Serve It Up
- Spoon the pork into burger buns for an incredible pulled pork burger, or try it in pulled pork tacos topped with fresh slaw and avocado. Or, set up a full pulled pork bar with a mix of toppings and let everyone build their own.