This Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe is a perfect easy, filling weeknight dinner. Made in the slow cooker with only a few ingredients, it’s low in fat, packed with protein, and paleo / Whole30 approved!
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Warning: You’re going to want to eat this Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork for dinner almost EVERY week once you try it!
Partially because it’s one of the easiest recipes ever, but also because it’s super delicious! This healthy pulled pork only requires 10 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.
The crockpot does the rest of the work for you to make the tastiest pulled pork with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
A few months ago I was in a total dinner/cooking rut.
I was so bored with everything that I was finding on Pinterest, totally sick of all my favorite recipes that I had found and saved over the years… and just plain didn’t want to cook.
If you’re looking for other slow cooker recipes – check out these 28 Delicious Paleo Crockpot Recipes.
Then this pulled pork came into my life, and it has hands down been my favorite thing to make for dinner. Mostly because it requires so little work, which is perfect because I’ve been SO busy.
It’s good to be busy because it means I have lots of opportunities – but I’d rather spend my energy on the things that matter than pondering what to make for dinner!
P.S. – If you love crockpot recipes, check out these 45 Healthy Crockpot Recipes!
What makes this pulled pork healthy?
- Low fat – Traditionally pulled pork is made with pork shoulder or pork butt which is higher in fat. We use pork tenderloins in this recipe which are much leaner!
- High Protein – This recipe is pure protein! 41g per serving!
- Low sugar BBQ sauce – We recommend you use a low or no sugar BBQ sauce to keep this low carb. So many BBQ sauces are high in sugar and honestly.. you don’t need all that sugar!
You all feel me on that right? We’re all doing a gazillion things.. and while I truly love cooking, there are some nights when I just need a break.
This recipe takes about 1o minutes to pull together (a little longer if you roast up potatoes + green beans like I did), but otherwise it’s super simple.
It’s also paleo, whole30 friendly, gluten free, sugar free, and dairy free. Most importantly it’s DELICIOUS. Cause that’s what really matters, right?
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork:
To make pulled pork you’ll need: pork tenderloins, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, cinnamon, ginger, chicken stock and BBQ sauce.
I really love topping this with Tessemae’s Barbecue Sauce. It’s paleo/Whole30 friendly, but it also tastes amazing! I hate when BBQ spices are too sweet, or too smoky.
You can get it right on amazon with this link. This is a must make if you’re doing a Whole 30, but it’s also an awesome healthier, leaner version of a meal that everyone loves!
How to make healthy crockpot pulled pork:
Cooking healthy pulled pork is very easy. The key is the spices!
Get your spices + other ingredients. Whisk together your olive oil+ spices. Marinate your pork tenderloin.
Allow your pork tenderloin to marinate. When you’re ready to cook. Put it in the crockpot with chicken stock. Allow it to cook low + slow.
When it’s cooked, shred + toss with barbecue sauce.
Do you need to use pork tenderloins for this?
I prefer to use pork tenderloins in this recipe because they tend to be less fatty and very lean. You could also use a pork shoulder or pork butt if you prefer!
Can you make pulled pork in the instant pot?
Yes you totally can! This pulled pork is much better if you make it in the crockpot, but you can make it in the instant pot. Follow all the instructions for marinating. When you’re ready to cook – get instant pot to Sealing, Pressure Cook for 18 minutes.
When the instant pot is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 15 minutes, then quick release. It’s better if you can naturally release the pressure completely because it keeps the pork super tender.
Substitutions for healthy pulled pork:
This recipe is pretty straight forward but there are a few substitutions you can easily make!
Pork – You can use pork shoulder or butt for this recipe, but i prefer the pork tenderloins because they are so lean. Chicken will also work with this recipe!
Liquid Smoke – You can add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade if you’re looking for that smoky flavor!
Chicken – If you don’t eat pork you can use chicken breasts for this!
Spices – Feel free to change up the spices in this recipe or use your favorite BBQ rub
Oil – Avocado oil will work in this recipe in place of olive oil.
Instant Pot: You can also make this recipe in the instant pot. See below for instructions in the recipe!
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce will work great on this pulled pork but make sure to read your ingredients if you’re strict paleo/whole30
Do you need to use barbecue sauce in this recipe?
You could leave the barbecue sauce off this recipe, but I love adding Tessemae’s BBQ Sauce to it for extra flavor and to keep it moist.
Just be careful with the barbecue sauce you use because many of them have tons of added sugars and funky ingredients.
Do you put liquid in slow cooker for pulled pork?
Yes, you need to put liquid in the slow cooker for pulled pork. The liquid helps to essentially steam the pork which results in juicy, flavorful pulled pork.
What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
The best cut of meat for pulled pork is pork butt or pork shoulder, but I like to use pork tenderloins because they are lean and low in fat.
Why is my crock pot pulled pork tough?
Your crockpot pulled pork might be tough because you didn’t cook it for long enough. Pork really needs 6-8 hours (or longer depending on the cut) to make sure that the meat breaks down. Try to keep your crockpot set on low vs the high setting to avoid getting tough pulled pork.
How do you keep pulled pork moist in a crock pot?
To keep pulled pork moist in the crockpot make sure there is enough liquid and avoid using the high heat setting. You can always add more liquid and the pork will soak up the juices. Beef or chicken broth will add the most flavor.
How to serve this Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork:
We love to serve this recipe with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Healthy Green Beans Almondine. You can also serve them on a slider, or with some of our other veggie side dishes
- Garlic Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Garlic Thyme Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Rosemary Spiralized Potatoes
- Crispy Dijon Roasted Potatoes
- Healthy Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin (approximately 2 medium pork tenderloins)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce of Choice (We like Tessemae's)
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions:
- Clean off 'silver skin' from pork tenderloin. (This is optional, but recommended to keep it lean)
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil + spices. Marinate pork in olive oil + spices overnight if possible in a ziploc bag, otherwise place tenderloins in crockpot and cover with oil/spice marinade. Make sure all areas of the pork have some marinade on them.
- Pour chicken stock on top of marinated tenderloins.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours in the crockpot or high for 4-6 hours.
- When finished cooking, use tongs or a fork to pull the tenderloins apart (it will fall apart!). Allow the juices to soak into the pulled pork.
- Toss with your favorite barbecue sauce + enjoy!
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Clean off 'silver skin' from pork tenderloin. (This is optional, but recommended to keep it lean). Cut pork tenderloin into 5-6 inch sections. You can leave the tenderloins whole, but it will take longer to come to pressure.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil + spices. Marinate pork in olive oil + spices overnight if possible in a ziploc bag, otherwise place tenderloins in instant pot and cover with oil/spice marinade. Make sure all areas of the pork have some marinade on them.
- Pour chicken stock on top of marinated tenderloins. **Important Note** Add an extra cup of chicken stock or water. The instant pot requires more liquid.
- Set instant pot to Sealing, Pressure Cook for 18 minutes. When instant pot is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 15 minutes, then quick release.
- When finished cooking, use tongs or a fork to pull the tenderloins apart (it will fall apart!). Allow the juices to soak into the pulled pork.
- Toss with your favorite barbecue sauce + enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I prefer to use pork tenderloins in this recipe because they tend to be less fatty and very lean. You could also use a pork shoulder or pork butt if you prefer!
- You can marinate this pork ahead of time for up to 24 hours for even more flavor
Nutrition Facts
Cecilia
Looking at the pictures made me hungry!
Love how easy the recipe is. Thanks for sharing!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks Cecilia!! I hope you give it a try 🙂
Rachel (LittleChefBigAppetite)
This looks great!! I don’t eat pork, but I want to try this with chicken thighs!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’ve done it with chicken too and it’s SO yummy!!
Laura
Anything that combines BBQ, Sweet potatoes and my slow cooker is a winner in my book! Totally need to make this!
The Clean Eating Couple
I couldn’t agree more!! 🙂
Rachel
I tried this with a different marinade and it came out dry after 6 hours . I used the instant read thermometer at 6 hr mark like you said and the temp was over 200 🙁 . I did have lime juice in my marinade, but I didn’t think it would alter the time that much….I plan to try again this weekend with a cook time of 4.5 hours and see how it is.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Rachel – I’m not sure what could’ve possibly happened.. I just made this today and had no issue with it! Did you use the broth and cook it on low? I’m wondering if something is off with your crockpot and the temperature is too high! I actually cooked it for an extra two hours today and it was completely moist! 🙁
Angie
Everything I make in my crock pot comes out dry. Any tips on avoiding that? I’m trying this recipe this week. Thanks!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Angie – If you follow the directions on this it definitely won’t come out dry! I always try to add some liquid to my crockpot recipes, I find it helps!
Alicia
I had nearly 3lbs of meat and cooked on low for 5.5 hours. The internal temp read 200 degrees after 5 hours. Turned out a little dry.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Alicia – I’m really sorry to hear this turned out dry… I’m wondering if it has something to do with your crockpot? I’ve made this at least 20 times and never had a problem 🙁
Shawnna
This was by far the best pulled pork I’ve made.
It was a hit in my house, i will definitely be making
It again!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked it, Shawnna!! The leftovers are great in tacos or even for breakfast with eggs!
Toni
Made this recipe, it was delicious!! Easy to make & healthy too.! My picky eaters loved it.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much Toni! Glad you and your family liked it!
Jesse Urbina
Can’t wait to try! Just a question: how many oz in a serving? I’m trying to get better sense of my macronutrients and I see its 315 calories per serving but don’t know the serving size. Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Jesse – The recipe calls for 2.5lbs of pork. There are 16 oz in a pound, so the recipe has 40oz total. When you divide it by 6 servings per the recipe it’s about 6.6oz per serving.
Diane Selzam
I make this a couple times a month when doing my food prep…yummy!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s perfect for meal prepping!
Ann
I made this recipe today in my instant pot on the slow cooker setting. It was absolutely amazing!! I had to keep from peeking before the 6 hours was up because the house smelled soo good! It was a huge hit with the family as well- my picky 3 year old loved it! It was perfectly moist and the meat fell apart just by stirring it with a wooden spoon.
The Clean Eating Couple
I love hearing that Ann!! I’m so glad your family loved it 🙂 That makes me so happy!!
Annmarie
I made this recipe for pulled pork today and it was absolutely amazing! The meat was tender and juicy and fell apart just by stirring it with a wooden spoon. My picky 3 year old also enjoyed it! I also had to keep myself from peeking when it was cooking- the house smelled that good!!
Rick Dermody
I am trying this today. I marinated just as you said, but a bit less of each spice since my wife has IBS and finds that spices upset it. My daughter is coming over who is totally “organic” and she balked at it at first but I assured her it would be clean and used organic chicken broth. Her 15 yo son is totally looking to chow down on this! I’ll have her bring over her favorite organic BBQ sauce. Another daughter is gluten sensitive so this works for her. I have 2 crockpots going–one with this recipe and one with baked potatoes. The gluten sensitive one might choose to eat the pork on a baked potato, o/w I have some whole wheat buns and some dairy free cheese and cooked organic broccoli and cauliflower for whoever wants to dress up their baked potato. As others have said, it smells delicious and I can’t forsee any dryness problems. Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
That makes me so happy to hear, Rick!! I love this recipe because it is super versatile and everyone can love it! I’m glad your entire family can enjoy it!! 🙂
Nicole
So yummy I made this yesterday and it came out perfect!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked it, Nicole!! 🙂
Melanie
I love this! Thanks for sharing. If I were to make this recipe without the BBQ sauce, are the spices still on the sweeter end?
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Melanie – I wouldn’t say that the spices are on the sweeter end, but the pork still has a lot of flavor even with out BBQ sauce! You can shred it and just skip the sauce if you’d like!
Amy
I’m making this for our 9 month old to try today. I have a question though. The piece of pork I bought is 1.1 lbs. I adjusted the spices, but how would I adjust the cooking time? I’m using the crock pot.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Amy – I’ve never tried this so I’m not entire sure but I think you could cook it for an hour less. Let me know how it turns out for you!
MIssy S
This recipe was one of the best pulled pork easy crockpot meals I have ever made! The taste was amazing and you don’t need to over do it with the BBQ sauce! The pork was tender and I decided to pair it with a baked sweet potato and cucumber & tomato salad! This is definitely a keeper!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m SO glad you liked it, Missy!! I totally agree – it’s fine without the BBQ sauce and flavorful on it’s own. Have you seen my Easy Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes Book? It is filled with recipes like this one!!
Jennifer Ramos
Liz always has easy and tasty recipes. Loved this pulled pork recipe because it basically makes itself. I used my sugar free bbq sauce and it was freaking delicious. If you like this try her homemade baked fries!!! Yum!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much Jennifer! This + the fries are seriously my favorite combo!!
Kareela Heidenreich
Our whole family absolutely loved this. I did not add any barbecue sauce and it was still beautiful . Definitely making again.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Kareela! The BBQ sauce honestly isn’t even necessary – it tastes great on it’s own!
Valerie
Loved this recipe – so tender and tasty and so simple. I will definitely be making again. Also, the crispy roasted sheet pan potatoes are the perfect side with this!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Valerie! Aren’t those potatoes the best?!
Laura
This is such an easy crockpot recipe to make your entire house smell great on a cold night. The flavors all mixed well and ate with Brussels as our side. Thanks for the tasty recipe.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Laura!
Monica
Loved loved this pork recipe! Seriously dummy proof and for this full time working mom of 3, that’s what I need. I had all the simple ingredients on hand too. I made mine in the crockpot for my husbands birthday dinner. Put in the crockpot at 12:30 pm and cooked on low for 6 hrs, shredded it and let sit for another 30 mins. So juicy and delish! I served with baked sweet potatoes and served the pork on top of the potatoes. Perfection with the bbq sauce too I used. Also added asparagus on the side. Highly recommend!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Monica! And that it was easy for you to make 🙂
Dianna Sharron
I’ve made this recipe many times and it never fails. My family is split between wanting the pork in the marinade juices alone and wanting BBQ sauce on it so I choose to serve it as it and let everyone add sauce to their liking. It’s so simple and makes excellent leftovers!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Diana! So happy to hear your whole family loves it. It’s good with or without sauce.. we go either way in our house 🙂
Tammi McKnight
Which do you prefer using, the crockpot or using the instapot?
The Clean Eating Couple
Definitely the crockpot. I don’t really like my instant pot. I think everything tastes better in the crockpot! 🙂
Berni Shalda
Needed a recipe for my son’s family birthday party that would satisfy everyone’s new year diet resolutions. This was amazing. It was so flavorful and juicy. Some people had over salad, some had plain, some put on sandwiches. It made enough for 6 adults and 2 kids. This is going into my rotation.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Berni! It’s perfect for a crowd and easily customizable!
Lori
Do you have to marinate it in an oil before putting it in the crock pot, or would the broth be enough moisture?
The Clean Eating Couple
i would highly recommend marinating it. Pork tenderloin is a leaner cut of meat, meaning it has less fat. Without the oil, I think that this will be dry, and lack the flavor that the healthy fats in olive oil bring.
Kelly
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ease of this recipe! Tried it for the first time and so stinking EASY! Overall I liked the spices added (may go less on the cinnamon next time and a little more on the garlic powder). And I will never “shred” pork or chicken any other way than putting it in my KitchenAid mixer. 30 seconds = PULLED PORK DONE! BAAAAHHHHH YEEEESSSSSSSSS! I let my family add their own amount of BBQ sauce – I tend to like mine more coated than my hubby. Sandwiches were so good and I’ve already been adding to leftovers to salads – delicious! Thanks Liz!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Kelly! Isn’t shredded meat in the kitchen aid the best!!?? So glad you were able to use it so many different ways!
Joni
Made this today and it was so tender! We marinated it overnight then cooked it in the crockpot as instructed. Then I shredded it and let it sit in the juices on warm until time to eat. Topped it with BBQ sauce and an onion bun (no diet restrictions in our house), and it definitely hit the spot! The marinade gave just enough flavor without overpowering or competing with flavor of sauce. Thanks, Liz!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Joni! That sounds delicious on an onion bun.
Erin
Perfect for quarantine. Made house smell amazing and taste top notch. Will definitely keep in rotation.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it! It’s our favorite meal!
Lauren
This was so delicious and easy to make – I loved it and cannot wait to make it again!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Lauren! Thank you so much!
Michelle
I made this recipe a few nights ago. It was a great hit with my picky husband and son. They both enjoyed the pork plain with only the cooking juices. I added some bbq sauce. I made some minor modifications to the spice measurements because my tenderloin was only 1.5 pounds. I also added an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth two hours before it was done so the pork wouldn’t be dry. It was really yummy, I plan to make it again in the future.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Michelle! So glad you all liked it!
Hannah Schmitz
Made this recipe with chicken for dinner tonight! LOVE how easy it is. Thanks for another great recipe!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Hannah!!
Caitlin
I love making this on a Sunday and having it for lunch for the whole week. Simple, yet delicious and can be paired with just about anything.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed!
Aysia B
This was delicious and oh so easy. I will definitely be adding it to the rotation, hubby couldn’t get enough!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Aysia! Thank you so much!
Marina Garabedyan
This pulled pork was perfections. The flavor was amazing! It was tender I didn’t even need to add Bbq sauce it was that good.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Marina! I really appreciate it!
Kirsten Wilson
This is my go to pulled pork recipe! So easy to make and so good! I’ve brought this pulled pork to so many family events and pot luck at work! People actually ask me to make it anytime a pot luck is mentioned at work.
The Clean Eating Couple
Love hearing that, Kirsten! Thank you so much!
Alison Witt
This was so easy to make and tastes great!
Melissa J.
After marinading over night, would you recommend including the marinade in the crock pot, or discarding the leftover marinade?
The Clean Eating Couple
I place everything in the crockpot – but that’s up to you!
Lindsay R
Followed directions to the T (except for bbq. Used a different brand) and it turned out perfectly! Loved the rub and it made the house smell mouthwatering! I used 2.5lb pork loin and trimmed any fat. Cooked in the slow cooker on high for 1 hour and then low for 4 more. It easily fell apart. I did make one mistake though. I was lazy and put the meat in the stand mixer to shred. It was so tender, it sort of made a pulled pork paste. Like the consistency of tuna salad. Lol. This was on me. I should have fork shredded. It was so tender, I would have been done in a minute. But. I didn’t get any complaints and the flavor was awesome. Highly recommend.!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked it, Lindsay! When I shred it in the stand mixer I only shred it for maybe 5 seconds.. I leave it in bigger chunks 🙂 Hope this helps!
Melissa
The best pulled pork I have ever made! Forgot to marinate it but it was still delicious!!! All the flavors go so well together! It was a hit with my family!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Melissa! We often skip marinating (only because of the timing!) and it still comes out great!
Katy
This is the second recipe from your website that I have made this week, and we really enjoyed this one. I made it in the slow cooker, and I used pork butt just because it was on sale this week at my local supermarket. This blend of spices works very well and smelled great while in the slow cooker. I had a lot of meat juices after six hours on low even after I returned the shredded pork to the crock pot to soak up the juices. Next time, I will drain off some of the meat juices before I stir in the barbecue sauce. That way I can prevent the burger sandwich buns from getting soggy when I spoon out the shredded pork onto the buns. I look forward to trying this with the pork tenderloin. Your recipes have inspired me to finally get an Instant Pot. I ordered an Instant Pot Duo Crisp during Prime Days, and I can’t wait to try some of your recipes in it.
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you liked the pulled pork!! Enjoy the instant pot – you can find all of our instant pot recipes here
Ashley Orfitelli
Love a easy and delicious crock pot recipe! I have made this multiple times and its always enjoyed by family and friends!
Abby
This recipe is literally SO easy. I sometimes bulk prep this (I’ll get a few packages of pork tenderloin at Costco) and keep in the freezer for “emergency” dinners. This recipe is also so versatile you can put it on loaded baked potatoes, nachos, leave as-is — it goes with anything! We love this recipe!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like it, Abby! We love it on nachos 😉
Michelle Linsley
I have tried the pull pork recipe in the crockpot. LOVED it. My husband said don’t loose this recipe.
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you both liked it, Michelle! Thank you!
Yanhel
Absolutely love how easy this recipe is to follow! I also love the tip to use pork tenderloins instead of the pork butt because it is a lot less fatty.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Yanhel! Glad you liked it!!
Julie
I did not add the BBQ sauce when done. We ended up having them as pulled pork sandwiches and added the sauce we wanted last night with a salad and tonight we had “pork carnitas” with some lime sauce and added salsa, cheese, lettuce and tomato – one crockpot, 2 different meals! Both were delicious!!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Julie! So happy you liked it! Great idea for serving it 🙂