Got leftover pulled pork taking up space in your fridge? Transform it into this rich, smoky chili that’s even better than the original barbecue.

A bowl of pulled pork chili with sour cream and cheese.

This isn’t just a way to use up leftovers – it’s become one of our go-to recipes. We’ve perfected the balance of spices, using cocoa powder and chipotle peppers to complement the smoky pork while building layers of complex flavor. The best part? Most of the work is already done since your using leftover pulled pork. In just over an hour, you’ll have a hearty chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

An overhead view of chili ingredients: pulled pork, black beans, kidney beans, spices, broth, tomatoes, salsa, onion, garlic, oil, and chipotle peppers arranged in bowls on a light surface.

๐Ÿ”ช What Youโ€™ll Need

Ingredients

  • Leftover pulled pork โ€“ dry or saucy, both work
  • Red onion โ€“ adds sweetness; yellow works too
  • Garlic cloves โ€“ fresh is best, jarred in a pinch
  • Chili powder, Ground cumin,
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder โ€“ deepens flavor without adding sweetness
  • Brown sugar
  • Chicken broth
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • Crushed tomatoes โ€“ thickens the chili base
  • Black beans
  • Dark red kidney beans
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo
  • Kosher salt & Black pepper

Tools

  • Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon

๐Ÿ“ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sautรฉ the Aromatics
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3โ€“4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Build the Base
Add chili powder and cumin. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. Stir in cocoa powder and brown sugar.

3. Add the Rest
Pour in broth, tomatoes, beans, pulled pork, chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 50โ€“60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

5. Adjust & Serve
Thin with broth if needed, or simmer longer to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

๐Ÿ’ก Meat Nerd Tips

  • Use smoky pulled pork for added depth.
  • Add broth gradually if your pork was extra saucy.
  • Cocoa matters โ€“ it adds rich umami, not chocolate flavor.
  • Let it sit overnight for an even better flavor the next day.
A pot of chili with pulled pork, beans, and tomatoes, with a wooden spoon resting inside. A bowl of chili and some scallions are visible nearby.

๐Ÿ” Ingredient Swaps

  • Low Carb or Keto? Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and skip the beans.
  • No black beans? Use pinto or cannellini.
  • No fire-roasted tomatoes? Use regular diced tomatoes.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ What to Serve With Pulled Pork Chili

  • Cornbread or grilled bread
  • Over baked sweet potatoes (or sweet potato fries)
  • Steamed rice or mac and cheese
Two bowls of pulled pork chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeรฑos, green onions, and tortilla chips, served with drinks and garnishes on a light table.

๐ŸงŠ Leftovers & Storage

  • Fridge: Cool completely, store in an airtight container up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge
  • Reheat: On stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in intervals, adding broth if needed

Have you tried this recipe? Do us a favor and rate the recipe card with the  โญ โญ โญ โญ โญ and drop a comment to help out the next reader.

Pulled Pork Chili

Rate this Recipe!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Kita Roberts
A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions, with a spoon, napkin, and a glass of ice water nearby.
One pot, minimal prep, maximum flavor. top reheating the same pulled pork sandwiches! This hearty chili transforms your leftovers into something completely new and absolutely delicious. Cocoa powder and chipotle peppers create rich, complex flavors that'll fool everyone into thinking you started from scratch.

Recommended Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients  

For the Pulled Pork Chili

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup red onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ยผ cup chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 pounds leftover pulled pork
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can black beans drained
  • 1 15.5 oz can dark red kidney beans drained
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 4 chipotle peppers in adobo

Toppings:

  • shredded cheese diced onions, corn chips, tortilla chips, green onions, jalapenos, corn, sour cream

Instructions 

  • Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
  • Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the chili powder and cumin and bloom for about 30 seconds to a minute.
  • Add the cocoa powder and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
    A cream-colored Dutch oven contains sautรฉed chopped onions and a pile of cocoa powder in the center, ready to become the flavorful base for pulled pork chili; the lid rests nearby on a light countertop.
  • Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, leftover pulled pork, black beans, kidney beans, and chipotle peppers to the pot.
    A white pot filled with pulled pork chiliโ€”shredded meat, kidney beans, black beans, spices, and brothโ€”ready to be mixed for cooking; the lid rests beside the pot.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and flavors should develop and meld together.
  • If the chili is too thick, add a little more broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce.
    A wooden ladle holds a serving of chunky pulled pork chili with beans, tomatoes, and shredded meat above a pot filled with the same hearty chili.
  • Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Ladle into bowls, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 1669mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 2173IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 6mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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โ“ Recipe FAQs

How long does this chili take to make?

Just over an hour from start to finish, including simmering time.

Can I freeze pulled pork chili?

Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Hello, easy meal planning.

Whatโ€™s the final texture like?

Thick, hearty, and meaty with balanced heat and smokiness.

Categories: , ,

About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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