Description
These Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs are tender, flavorful baby back ribs slow-baked to perfection and coated in a smoky, spicy chipotle BBQ sauce. The ribs are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and pepper, then baked low and slow before being basted and broiled to caramelized BBQ goodness. Perfect for a hearty meal with a mild to moderate smoky heat.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 2 3/4 to 3 pounds baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Chipotle BBQ Sauce
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use 2 for a milder kick)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove Membrane and Prepare Ribs: Slide a small knife under the thin white membrane on the back side of the ribs and carefully peel it off. Trim off any excess fat. Cut the ribs into 2 to 4 sections if needed for easier handling.
- Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, then brush the meaty side with olive or avocado oil. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Bake Covered: Arrange the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meaty side up. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours. Check tenderness by piercing the meat with a sharp knife or gently bending the ribs—they should pull away from the bone easily. If not tender, continue baking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare BBQ Sauce: While ribs are baking, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Brush with Sauce and Bake: Brush the ribs with ¼ cup of the prepared BBQ sauce. Return the ribs uncovered to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Finish Under Broiler: Brush the ribs with another ¼ cup of BBQ sauce. Place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes to caramelize the sauce, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the ribs hot with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side for extra dipping.
Notes
- Removing the membrane helps the seasoning penetrate better and results in more tender ribs.
- You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers used depending on desired heat level.
- Baking the ribs low and slow ensures tender meat that falls off the bone.
- If you prefer, leftovers can be reheated covered in foil at 300°F to avoid drying out.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a small amount of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
