Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pork Roast is a recipe that transforms a humble cut of meat into a gourmet meal, and the secret lies in the wine. Cooking the pork in a light, wine-based sauce made with Chardonnay elevates the dish, infusing it with a subtle richness that sets it apart from other slow cooker recipes.
The wine doesn’t just add flavor—it also works as a tenderizer. Its natural acidity helps break down the tough connective tissues in the Boston butt, ensuring the pork becomes fall-apart tender while cooking. As the roast simmers, the wine blends with the juices from the pork and the sweetness of the onions, creating a sauce that’s light, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.
This extra layer of complexity takes the dish from simple comfort food to something truly special. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or entertaining guests, the wine makes this recipe feel a bit more indulgent without adding any extra effort. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works:
- Flavor Infusion: Using Chardonnay in the slow cooker adds depth and complexity to the roast, making the meat juicy and full of flavor. Plus, it helps tenderize the pork while adding a subtle, rich taste.
- Minimal Prep: Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal with no fuss.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer your roast on a bun with BBQ sauce or served with steamed vegetables and rice, this dish can be tailored to fit your preferences.
Do You Need to Put Liquid in a Slow Cooker with Pork?
Yes, liquid is essential when cooking pork in a slow cooker. While pork releases some moisture as it cooks, the slow cooker requires enough liquid to create steam, which helps cook the meat evenly and prevents it from drying out. This is particularly important with cuts like Boston butt, which benefit from long, slow cooking. In this recipe, Chardonnay (or broth) adds both the necessary liquid and extra flavor, ensuring a juicy, tender roast.
What Is the Best Liquid to Cook Pulled Pork In?
The best liquid for cooking pulled pork depends on the flavor profile you want to create. Chardonnay is a fantastic choice for a rich, slightly fruity flavor that complements the pork’s natural sweetness. If you don’t have wine on hand, chicken or vegetable broth can work well, providing a savory base. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a splash of apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the meat and adds a mild tanginess. The liquid you choose helps to keep the pork moist while infusing it with delicious flavor.
Does Pork Get More Tender the Longer It Cooks in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Pork gets more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker, especially tougher cuts like Boston butt. As it cooks low and slow, the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. In fact, this is why slow cookers are so great for pulled pork. Cooking it for 8-10 hours on low will yield perfectly tender meat that can be shredded easily with a fork. The longer the roast cooks, the more the connective tissue breaks down, making it more flavorful and succulent.
Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pork Roast
This tender, juicy pork roast is slow-cooked in a light, wine-based sauce made with Chardonnay, creating a rich depth of flavor. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy days or meal prepping. Serve it on a bun, with rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb Boston butt roast (pork shoulder)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1-2 cups Chardonnay
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Place the pork roast in your slow cooker. Add enough Chardonnay (or broth) to fill the slow cooker about 2 inches, ensuring the roast is partially submerged. If using apple cider vinegar, add a splash to help tenderize the meat.
- Season & Add Onion: Sprinkle the top of the roast with salt and pepper. Lay the sliced onion over the roast to enhance flavor.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. Turn the roast halfway through the cooking time if desired, but it’s not essential.
- Serve: Shred the roast with two forks and serve as pulled pork on a bun, or with rice and steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 1Amount Per ServingCalories 485Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 146mgSodium 134mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 39g
Tips for Success:
- Why Chardonnay? Chardonnay adds a subtle richness and helps break down the tough connective tissues in the Boston butt, making the roast melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you don’t have Chardonnay, any dry white wine or broth works. Just be sure to adjust the flavor based on what you use.
- Acidity for Tenderness: If you opt for something other than wine, a splash of apple cider vinegar can work wonders in tenderizing the meat while giving it a slight tangy flavor. This is a great option if you want to skip the alcohol but still achieve the same juicy result.
- Turn it into a Sauce: After cooking, you’ll likely have some flavorful liquid left in the slow cooker. You can use this to create a simple sauce by reducing it on the stove for a few minutes, or just spoon it over the shredded pork for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas:
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile the tender pork onto a soft bun, add some tangy coleslaw, and drizzle with BBQ sauce for the ultimate sandwich.
- On a Plate: Serve the shredded pork with a side of steamed vegetables and rice or mashed potatoes for a wholesome, balanced meal.
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the juicy shredded pork as a filling for tacos or burritos with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese.
Final Thoughts:
This Irresistibly Juicy Slow Cooker Boston Butt Pork Roast with Chardonnay is the perfect recipe to add to your regular meal rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner for the family, meal prep for the week, or a hearty dish for entertaining, this slow cooker recipe delivers on all fronts.
What’s even better? It practically cooks itself. The combination of tender pork and rich, wine-infused flavors makes this dish one you’ll come back to time and time again.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out for you! You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so delicious.
