You have been waiting for this Slow Cooker Chipotle Sweet Pulled Pork…
And you probably didn’t even know it.
You know how you can be trucking along, comfortable in the status quo and then something changes and you realize what you were missing? How much better things could have been?! I have felt like this so many times, mostly health related, like how after my lung transplant at age 16 I exclaimed to my parents, “If I knew I could feel like this, I would have done this a long time ago!” Or more recently, how I was shuffling along before my kidney transplant, and then after my transplant I didn’t know how I went not being able to walk around the block before. Speaking of my kidney transplant, I have just updated my “Next Chapters” with my 2013 Flashback: Road To My Kidney Transplant – Donors. I am determined to be caught up by my 1 year anniversary in in October! Now you can read how things were “before” I knew how much better they could be!
So now back to not knowing you were missing this Chipotle Sweet Pulled Pork and how much better any taco, burrito, salad, pizza, etc. could be with this pulled pork.
If you have eaten at Cafe Rio, you know there are a million copycat versions out there because their pork is incredible. Or at least that’s what I remember thinking the last time I devoured it over 8 years ago. Since I don’t remember exactly the taste of that pork, I can’t say this is Cafe Rio Pork, but I did looked up many of the copycat versions and was so surprised that all of them either added hardly any spice (like 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder) or no spices all together. This is not allowed in my world. So I’ve come up with my own chipotle version that is layered with salsa, red enchilada sauce, green chilies and spices, lots of spices! But don’t be afraid, this pork is not spicy, just exploding with flavorful. I actually added hot sauce to mine but it was perfect for my parents.
To make this easy pork, first you marinate the pork in coke, soy sauce and spices (you mix all the spices once and then just measure from that). Next, you drain the marinade and cook in remaining coke, brown sugar, spices, salsa and green chilies.
When the pork is tender, you shred it, drain excess liquid then add more spices, green chilies and enchilada sauce.
Let it seep into every crevice..
And you have created tender, melt in your mouth, chipotle pork, with the perfect balance of sweet heat that is SO easy to make for busy nights, make ahead dinners or for a crowd because its always a crowd pleaser! In the last month I’ve made this pork into tacos with my 5 Minute Blender Tomatillo Avocado Dressing for company (yes, they were awed and adored and I was still receiving raving texts days later) and made the pork again while I was visiting my mom’s for her company (again, awed and adored).
So while being simple, easy, and flavorful, this pulled pork is also incredibly versatile. You can make enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, salads, burrito bowls, etc. and they all will taste AMAZING because they include this pork!
I’m so excited for you to make this Chipotle Sweet Pulled Pork and to taste what you’ve been waiting for.
Looking for more Pork Recipes?
- Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sloppy Joes
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- Sheet Pan Chili Dijon Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans and Potatoes
| Cook Time | 480 minutes |
| Servings |
- 1 TBS EACH chili pwdr, garlic pwdr
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp EACH salt, onion pwdr, smoked paprika, cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2.5 lbs pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of all fat
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 cup Coke (from 12 oz. can)
- 1 tablespoon above Mixed Spices (in directions)
- Remaining Coke from above marinade
- 1/2 cup mild salsa
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons above Mixed Spices (in directions)
- 1/2 cup mild red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
- All remaining Mixed Spices
- salt to taste
- Hot sauce to taste
Ingredients Mixed Spices
Marinade
Slow Cooker Phase 1
Slow Cooker Phase 2
| Rate this recipe! |
- Mix all of the Mixed Spices together in a resealable container. Set aside.
- Add pork to large freezer bag along with marinade ingredients. Marinate 12-24 hours.
- Drain marinade and add pork to slow cooker along with Phase 1 Slow Cooker Ingredients: Cook on low 6-8 hours or until tender enough to shred.
- Shred pork in the slow cooker with 2 forks (it should just fall apart at this point) and then transfer all of the slow cooker contents to a strainer to drain off excess liquid.
- Return pork to slow cooker and add Phase 2 Ingredients. (You can add more enchilada sauce if you want the pork "saucier"). Stir in ingredients and cook another 15-30 minutes or until heated through. Taste and add additional salt (I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon) and hot sauce to taste.
- Serve in tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, etc. with Tomatillo Avocado Ranch Dressing.
*Yes, there are 2 4 oz. cans green chilies total
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You might also like:
5 Minute Blender Tomatillo Avocado Ranch
Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken
Honey Lime Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Lime Crema
All Purpose Chili Lime Chicken
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stephanie says
Can I live with you for a month so you can just cook and feed me. I will be trying this very soon
Jen says
LOL! Sounds like a party 🙂
Melanie @ Garnish & Glaze says
Crock-pot pulled pork is the best! I’m loving all the spices and chilies you have in there. Looks delicious!
Jen says
Thanks so much Melanie! Its super flavorful, I think you will love it 🙂
Rachael says
You are like the Mexican food cooking queen. I love Cafe Rio, like so much that I budget for it. At Christmas they offer a free meal card with every $25 gift card purchase. So I buy GC’s for any gift I can get away with, teachers, neighbors, family friends, and then keep the free meal card for myself. It is bad. Addiction level. I have tried a few copy cats, without satisfaction. So I guess I will have to try yours. I am so excited!
Jen says
LOL! Well, it sounds like a delicious addiction to me 🙂 I don’t know how close mine is, but I know it is super flavorful. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Mary Ellen says
Wow Jen, this looks amazing! A must try for sure. I agree with Rachael you are the Mexican cooking queen!
Jen says
Thanks Mary Ellen, I just crave Mexican so I have to cook Mexican – a lot 🙂
shelby says
Do you know I want to eat everything you make! LOL This looks amazing and I must try it! I was just saying I needed to use my slow cooker more so I just found what I’m going to use in it first!
Jen says
You are so sweet Shelby, the feeling is mutual! We need to be neighbors 🙂
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
What a great recipe! I’ve got to give this one a try!
Jen says
Thanks Renee, it is definitely a keeper!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
I know this would be amazing. I can tell from that fabulous list of ingredients! Pinning! Hearing about your health struggles makes me realize how much we all take our health for granted. I’m so happy to know the surgeries have improved how you feel to such a big degree. It’s totally inspirational!
Jen says
You are so sweet Valerie, thank you so much! I think we all take our health/blessings for granted at times but I believe being grateful definitely is the key to happiness. Thank you for your kind words!
Kimberly says
Had this for dinner Sunday night and it was the best shredded pork we’d ever had- we all loved it – so flavorful!
Cafe Rio is a little too sweet for me (gasp!) and I since used root beer instead of coke because it was what I had I decreased the sugar just a tad. I love the smokiness from the chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika. Yum!
Jen says
I am so flattered this is the best shredded pork you ever had! Thank you for the awesome compliment Kim! So happy everyone loved it and that the Root Beer worked out well. Thanks! Now you need to try the pizza 🙂
kathryn wade says
The chipolte pork recipe is awesome and amazing! Made it 3 times in 2 weeks and everyone but me has gotten to enjoy it. the next time I am hiding it for me and my husband! Thank you so much. I hope your health is improving daily. Hugs, Kathryn
Jen says
Hi Kathryn, I love to hear that this chipotle pork is such a hit! 3 times in 2 weeks is quite a compliment 🙂 I hope you are able to successfully hide a healthy portion for you and your husband next time around – or maybe the whole thing! Thanks so much for your kind words regarding my health – I am doing great! just celebrated my 1 year kidney transplant anniversary 🙂 Thanks again and I hope you continue to enjoy more of my recipes!
Jen says
Your recipe looks great. I am staying away from sodas and wondering what other liquid I could use instead of the Coke?
Jen says
Hi Jen! Coke has a pretty complex flavor profile, plus the sugar, plus acids (to tenderize) – but I would normally suggest another soda- so I am kind of stumped. My only thought is possibly sweet tea? Good luck!
tam says
Oh this was SO yummy! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Jen says
YAY! I am so happy you loved it Tam, that makes me so happy! Thanks for your thanks :)!
Erin says
Made this the other night. Fabulous. So fabulous. I say better than cafe rio. Love how heavy handed you are with the spices. My kinda cookin! 🙂
Jen says
Wow, Erin, thanks for the amazing compliment! I love me some spices so I am so happy you love it too! Thanks for trying so many of my recipes, that makes me happy you are enjoying them! Remember when we used to talk about cooking forever in our driveways? Good times 🙂
Shar says
Hello! I’m going to try this recipe for the first time with my dinner group. I’m wondering about portions – I’m cooking for 8 adults and 12 young kids (20 total). Do you think i need to double or triple this recipe? I have a large crockpot but I’m assuming I will need to use at least two crockpots. I’d love to get your thoughts on cooking for this size of a group. (Maybe I shouldn’t be trying something I’ve never done for that many people. ha ha ha.)
Thank you!
Jen says
Hi Shar! There are a few variables on how many this will feed such as how big of eaters the adults/children are and how many sides there will be, etc. To be safe, I would triple the recipe, assuming the adults are going to want seconds. I always like to be safe than sorry and this meal is wonderful if there are leftovers and great to freeze too – but it probably won’t come to that 🙂 I hope that helps! Good luck, have fun and enjoy!
Anna Joy says
Jen, I made this recipe for my husband, brother, and sister-in-law. They all loved it! It is really unique served with the Tomatillo Avocado Ranch, and if anyone is looking at these comments and thinking of making this pork – do make the Tomatillo Avocado Ranch as well. I didn’t have a tomatillo on hand, but the dressing was still great without it. Thanks for the excellent recipe!
Jen says
Hi Anna, I am so happy your family loved this! And thank you so much for commenting/endorsing the Tomatillo Avocado Ranch because I, too, totally believe they belong together! I hope you find more recipes to love here!
Amanda says
Have you ever made it without marinading it?
Jen says
Hi Amanda, I have never made it without marinating it but I imagine it could be done – would still be good but maybe not the “best” 🙂
Amanda Z says
I just made this recipe tonight and WOW! It was amazing! Sweet, spicy, smoky, it had it all!! I can easily say this was the best pulled pork I have ever made. Silence at the table as we devoured this only pausing to say how delicious it was. I am a loyal follower of your blog now and have already printed several recipes to try! Thanks for such a great dinner!
Jen says
Hi Amanda, I am so happy your whole family loved it and I am so honored it is the “best” pulled pork you have ever made = yay!!! I am excited for you to try my other recipes – I hope you love them just as much! Thank you for following my site! Have a great weekend!
Kat says
I was just wondering how spicy this recipe is? A lot of people in my family have issues with spicy food and I REALLY want to try this, without killing them.lol
Jen says
LOL! I totally hear ya! My mom is the same way (CANNOT do any spice) and she LOVES this recipe – serves to all her company but she uses 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder then provides hot sauce for everyone. I would recommend using 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder and then stirring in more to taste at the very end of cooking if you want it spicer. Enjoy!
Lisa says
Hey, do you think I can use diet coke?? That’s all I have on hand…. Thank you!!
Jen says
Hi Lisa! Unfortunately, diet coke will NOT work in this recipe. The artificial sweeteners break down with heat exposure and leave a weird chemically taste and even foam sometimes. Sorry!
Lisa says
I didn’t think so 🙂 Thank you so much for getting back to me!
Jen says
My pleasure! Good luck!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Jen! Chipotle is one of my favorite spices! This would also be good on a bun (or a fork)! 🙂 I’ve had several surgeries, not nearly as serious as yours, and my thought was the same!
Jen says
Thanks Dorothy, sound like we are kindred spirits in more ways than one 🙂 If you love chipotle, then I think you will especially love this! Its my mom’s Go-To whenever she has company over! xoxo
Adrianne says
I made this tonight, and it was by far, the best pulled pork I ever made. I almost skipped Slow Cooker Phase 2 because it was so good after Phase 1, but I finished it and I’m glad I did. Thanks for a keeper recipe.
Jen says
You are so welcome Adrianne, thank YOU for taking the time to comment! I am thrilled you loved it so much! I hope you find more recipes to love here!
Theresa M. says
This looks really, really good! I have a question about the green chiles; do you drain them before adding them to the slow cooker or do you add the liquid as well?
Jen says
Hi Theresa! You just add the whole can of green chilies. Enjoy!
Koree says
Thank you, Jen, for making me look like a rockstar, once again!! I made this along with your Tomatillo Avocado Ranch Dressing and your One Pot Cilantro Lime Rice for a get together. Everything turned out so good & I got so many compliments!! I doubled the recipe for a 5.5 lb bone in pork shoulder. It was so tender, flavorful, and delicious!! This will definitely be my new go to pulled pork recipe!! Thanks again!!
Jen says
YAY for rockstar status :)! I love that you also paired it with the Tomatillo Avocado Ranch and Cilantro Lime Rice – SO GOOD! I am drooling just thinking about it 🙂 I am thrilled everything turned out so well and everyone loved it! Thank you for making my day Koree!
Julie says
This is seriously some of the BEST Mexican pork I’ve had! And it’s made at home BONUS!!! Thank you for the recipe- keep them coming!!!
Jen says
YAY! Thank you so much Julie for the ultimate compliment! I am thrilled you loved this pork so much! I will definitely keep the recipes coming – I just can’t help myself 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend!
Miranda says
Hi! Just a question, when the recipe says drain the marinade and add the pork to the slow cooker, do you put the marinade in the slow cooker as well? Or do you discard he marinade? Thanks in advance!!
Jen says
Hi Miranda! You discard the marinade at that point. Good luck and enjoy!
Sarah says
Is there a way to cook this in the oven? Or maybe on the stove in a stock pot? I left my slow cooker at a friends but I really want to make this!
Jen says
Hi Sarah, my apologies as I thought I answered this comment but apparently not! I have never made this in the oven but I would suggest searing the roast on all sides, adding it to a roasting pan, cover with foil, then bake for 30 minutes at 425 F then turn the oven down to 300 and continue to roast until its fall apart tender, not sure exactly how long that will be as I haven’t done it before but probably 4-6 hours. Best of luck!
Joanne Shipley says
Jen, This recipe is a new family favorite. It is DELICIOUS!! I am cooking some right now to freeze for a family gathering next weekend. I have made it several times. I seriously have a notebook filled with your recipes. Every one that I have tried is a keeper. You have a gift to be able to put all these flavors together.
Jen says
You are too kind Joanne, thank you! I am thrilled this is a family favorite recipe and so flattered you have a notebook of my recipes – seriously made my day hearing that! I hope you have a wonderful family get together full of lots of great food 🙂
Kara says
Are you tired of my comments? Lol! This pork was seriously amazing!! It was SO incredibly delicious! I also made your Mexican Fries…also awesome! We made California Burritos, and my family is in love. 🙂 I am extremely glad I found your website…I’ve made at least one of your recipes every night, and I’ve been so impressed with every one of them! Thank you, thank you for sharing!
Jen says
Never! I absolutely love your comments and am grateful you take the time to comment! I LOVE hearing that you have made at least one of my recipes every night – that is amazing! So happy this was another winner and yay for making California burritos out of it -yum!!!! Thanks Kara!
Rachel says
I am looking forward to trying this! We made your shredded Mexican chicken for the smothered burritos and found it to be way too sweet, even after cutting back the sugar. The flavor was SO GOOD, but we had a hard time with the sweetness, so will eliminate sugar next time. This pork recipe makes me nervous. Is it very sweet? Could I leave out a good deal of the sugar and get the same results? Thanks so much for sharing your recipes!
Jen says
Hi Rachel, this recipe is sweet and spicy so if you don’t like sweet, then you can definitely add the sugar to taste at the end. Hope that helps!
Rachel says
Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Alisa says
I love Mexican food, New Mexican food in particular. This will help me with my cravings until i can make it to Albuquerque.
Jen says
Mexican food is the best!!! I crave it constantly as well- I hope you love this recipe!
Nicole says
I’ve made this at least 10 times, and it is not only my favorite crockpot meal, but my favorite meal altogether. I serve with corn torts, shredded cabbage and cilantro, and my sauce (which i’m sure isn’t as good as yours) of sour cream, green sauce and lime juice. This is the BEST. THE. BEST.
Jen says
That is amazing you have made this recipe at least 10 times – you must be more of an expert at it by now than me! I am thrilled you love it so much! Thank you, thank you!
Marj says
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Made it, loved it and used it on soft flour tortillas with the tomatillo avocado ranch and lettuce and tomatoes. Served them with Mexican Street Corn on the Cob….yum yum yum. Definitely a keeper recipe that I will make again and again!!
Jen says
Awesome Marj, I am thrilled this was such a hit and a new keeper! I was salivating as you described your meal – sounds delicious! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for making my recipes!
Ruth says
I like your recipe, I am Mexican, always trying to plan meals because it makes things easier, but life often gets in the way!Thanks for sharing.
Jen says
You are so welcome! I’m so happy you are enjoying my recipes, thank you!
Andrea says
Just tried this… I forgot a few ingredients and didn’t get to cook on low 6-8 hours but on high for 4-5 or so instead and didn’t get to marinade (I forgot!) lol. But it was delicious! I can’t wait to try it correctly with all the ingredients with some mexican food sides on tortillas next time with the tomatillo avocado ranch dressing! MMM! This time we had it on buns with mashed potatoes, corn and salad! Was delicious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jen says
Hi Andrea, sorry for the delay as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia, but I so appreciate your comment! I am so happy this turned out even with modified ingredients/marinating time and I am excited for you to try it with the Tomatilla Avocado Ranch – my fav!
Debi Calimlin says
Awesome Jen. I love Cafe Rio and I like your recipe. I will try make it tomorrow.
Jen says
Sorry for the delay Debi as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia but thanks for taking the time to commennt! I hope you loved this recipe!
Sheryl Pagenstecher says
This was SO good! I have made at least 4 other versions, (most call it a knock off from Cafe Rio)…but since I haven’t had either in the real…I have to go by good taste! The other versions don’t hold a candle to yours…it IS all about the spices and seasonings. YOU nailed it! I did add a TBS. of Lawry’s Chile and Garlic seasoning also. LOVED this…it is now my GO TO sweet pork recipe!
Jen says
Awesome Sheryl! I am honored this is the best recipe you’ve found after trying so many other versions, thank you so much! I hope you continue to find more recipes to love here!
Julie says
Hi Jen! This looks so good…planning to make it next week but have two questions. What kind of chipotle chili powder do you use? I have a jar of Penzeys ground Chipotle Pepper but I was told that is different than chipotle chili powder.
Also, if I wanted to cut back on sweetness would you recommend maybe omitting the brown sugar in phase two and leaving everything else the same?
Thank you so much!!
Jen says
Hi Julie! Yes, ground chipotle pepper is the same as chipotle chili powder – so you are good to go! As far as making it less sweet, yes, I would omit the brown sugar in phase 2 and then you can add always add some to taste at the every end if you decide it needs it. Enjoy!
Julie says
Thank you! You are the absolute best blogger about responding to comments/questions…and quickly! Also, I always check here first for any meat recipes as you use spices/seasonings EXACTLY the way I like to. I know this pork will be as delicious as your Mexican shredded chicken, slow cooker French Dips, etc. Thanks again!
Jen says
What a kind response Julie, thank you so much! I’m thrilled you are loving me recipes – it sounds like we are “foodie kindred spirits” with the same flavor palate!
Natasha says
This is my second time making the recipe and it does not disappoint. I don’t add the brown sugar in Phase 2. instead, I add about 1/2 a jalapeno. Our family likes more spice than sweet!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing such great recipes.
Jen says
You are so welcome Natasha and I’m glad you have found the perfect adaptation for your family! Thank you for taking the time to comment! Happy New Year!