Fall-Off-the-Bone Chipotle Glazed Ribs: Sweet, Smoky & Easy!

There’s a reason ribs are a backyard barbecue classic. But what if you could achieve that same incredible, tender, "fall-off-the-bone" result right in your own oven? These Chipotle Glazed Ribs are the answer. They combine a smoky, sweet dry rub with a rich, spicy chipotle glaze for a meal that is absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is a masterclass in low-and-slow cooking, ensuring a tender, juicy rib every time. The bold, smoky flavor of the chipotle peppers is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, creating a glaze that is deeply complex and unbelievably delicious. It's an easy, no-fuss way to create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Fall-Off-the-Bone Chipotle Glazed Ribs

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 2.5 - 3 hours

Ingredients

For the Ribs & Dry Rub:
- 2 racks pork spareribs or baby back ribs (about 4 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar¹
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For the Chipotle Glaze:
- 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (with sauce)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Prep Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs.² This is crucial for a tender result. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane and peeling it away.
Make Dry Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
Rub: Generously rub the mixture all over both sides of the ribs.
Wrap: Tightly wrap the seasoned ribs in a double layer of aluminum foil.

2. Cook Low & Slow

Bake: Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is very tender. They should feel wobbly and look like they are beginning to pull away from the bone.
Rest: Let the ribs rest, still wrapped in foil, for 10-15 minutes.

3. Make the Glaze & Finish

Make Glaze: While the ribs are resting, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the minced chipotle peppers, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened slightly.
Unwrap & Glaze: Carefully unwrap the ribs. Place them on a clean, parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the top and sides of the ribs.
Finish: Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Let the ribs cool for a few minutes, slice them between the bones, and serve immediately.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Rib

The Dry Rub is Key: The dry rub is what builds the base of flavor. Don't be shy with it!
Remove the Membrane: This step is non-negotiable for a truly tender, fall-off-the-bone rib.
The Low & Slow Method: Baking at a low temperature is what allows the connective tissue in the ribs to break down, resulting in a perfectly tender texture.
Customizing the Glaze: Adjust the heat of the glaze to your liking. Use more chipotle peppers for a spicier glaze or more honey for a sweeter one.
Grill Option: You can also finish these ribs on the grill. Place them on a preheated grill over medium heat and brush with the glaze, flipping and brushing every few minutes until caramelized.

Savorly Made

Fall-Off-the-Bone Chipotle Glazed Ribs: Sweet, Smoky & Easy!