Slow Cooker Smoky Chipotle Pork Shoulder
Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder infused with smoky chipotle goodness, perfect for a cozy night in.
Total: 375 minPrep: 15 minCook: 360 min6 servings
Ingredients
Servings:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps
- 1 Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2 In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- 3 Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- 4 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides.
- 5 Place the seared pork in the slow cooker.
- 6 In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion, and garlic until smooth.
- 7 Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.
- 8 Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender.
- 9 Shred the pork with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- 10 Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Calories:
420 kcal
Tips
- For extra flavor, crisp up some of the shredded pork in a skillet and top your dish with it.
- This recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat level.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh salsa.
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
- Great with a fresh avocado salad.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, but pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness when slow-cooked.