Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs

This easy oven baked chipotle BBQ ribs recipe is perfect for a relaxed Sunday dinner where you can let the oven do the work while you finish up your errands. The ribs come out tender and flavorful with a smoky, slightly spicy glaze that will impress anyone at the table.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weekend, and it quickly became a favorite because the kitchen smelled amazing while I relaxed with a book

Ingredients

• Baby back ribs around three pounds: lean and tender for oven baking
• Olive or avocado oil: helps the spices adhere and keeps the meat moist
• Smoked paprika: adds depth and smokiness, use Spanish variety if possible
• Table salt: enhances all the flavors
• Ground pepper: balances the smoky and sweet notes
• Garlic powder: adds aromatic warmth
• Ketchup: forms the base of a rich BBQ sauce
• Apple cider vinegar: brings acidity to balance the sweetness
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami complexity
• Brown sugar: gives a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: bring smokiness and moderate heat, adjust quantity to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup

Prepare the Ribs:

Slide a small knife under the thin white membrane on the back of the ribs and peel it off. Trim any excess fat and cut ribs into two to four sections if desired for easier handling

Season the Ribs:

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Brush the meaty side with oil. Mix smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the ribs

Bake the Ribs:

Place ribs meaty side up on the prepared sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake for two hours and check tenderness by piercing with a knife or bending gently. If not tender, bake an additional twenty to thirty minutes

Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

Blend ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a blender until smooth

Glaze and Finish the Ribs:

Remove ribs from oven and increase temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush ribs with one quarter cup of BBQ sauce and bake uncovered for fifteen minutes. Brush with another quarter cup of sauce and broil for three to four minutes until caramelized

Serve:

Serve hot with the remaining BBQ sauce on the side

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I love the chipotle peppers for their smoky heat and remember my first time making these for a family gathering when everyone asked for seconds

Storage Tips

Store cooked ribs and leftover sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve tenderness and flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

Spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs work well but may require longer cooking time. Maple syrup or molasses can be used instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile

Serving Suggestions

Pair with thick seasoned potato wedges or a simple side salad. Potato salad complements the smoky flavor of the ribs perfectly

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Cultural Context

BBQ ribs have roots in American Southern cuisine and often feature slow cooking to maximize flavor and tenderness. The addition of chipotle peppers gives a smoky Mexican-inspired twist to a classic dish

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of ribs for this method?

Yes! Spare ribs work great but need an extra 30-40 minutes cooking time. St. Louis-style ribs need about 20-30 minutes longer. Check for tenderness at the 2-hour mark.

→ How do I know when the ribs are done?

The meat should pull away from the bone with little resistance when pierced with a knife. You can also gently bend the ribs - they're ready when they bend easily.

→ Can I make the chipotle BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The BBQ sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also season the ribs up to 24 hours ahead.

→ Why do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs?

The thin white membrane on the back prevents seasonings from penetrating and makes the ribs tough. Removing it ensures tender, flavorful results.

→ How spicy is the chipotle BBQ sauce?

Using 2 chipotle peppers gives a mild kick with smoky flavor. Add a third pepper for more heat, or use just 1 for very mild spice level.

→ What sides pair well with these ribs?

Try seasoned potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Classic BBQ sides like baked beans and cornbread also complement the smoky flavors perfectly.