Craving ridiculously tender BBQ ribs without firing up the grill? These Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs are your answer! Each bite is irresistibly juicy, smoky, and kissed with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

The homemade chipotle BBQ sauce infuses bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that caramelize beautifully in the oven. And the best part? It's truly effortless-no babysitting the grill or smoker required!

This recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights, casual weekend feasts, or anytime you want classic BBQ flavor with minimal fuss. If you love crowd-pleasing comfort food that's finger-lickin' good, you'll fall head-over-heels for these ribs.

They were inspired by endless summer cookouts and my family's passion for big, messy BBQ dinners-now made totally achievable year-round in your own kitchen!

A rack of juicy, caramelized chipotle BBQ ribs on a cutting board with fresh herbs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fall-off-the-bone tender, every single time-no special equipment needed
Bold, smoky, sweet-and-spicy chipotle BBQ sauce you'll want to put on everything
Easy oven-baked method-perfect even for BBQ beginners
Great for make-ahead or feeding a crowd
Customizable heat level for everyone's tastes

Key Ingredients for Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Pork Baby Back Ribs

These tender ribs are the star of the show! Baby back ribs cook faster than spare ribs and have just the right amount of meat-to-bone ratio for ultimate juiciness. For best results, remove the thin membrane from the bone side before seasoning-it helps the flavors penetrate and lets the ribs get extra tender. You can also use St. Louis-style ribs if you prefer a meatier bite, just add 20-30 minutes more to the cooking time.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

These smoky, spicy peppers give the BBQ sauce its signature kick and depth of flavor. Chop them finely for even heat throughout the sauce. Love it hot? Add an extra pepper or two. Prefer it milder? Use just one, and avoid the extra adobo sauce.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar balances the heat of the chipotles and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully in the oven. Either light or dark brown sugar works well-dark brown sugar will give a richer, molasses-like sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This pantry staple adds tang to the BBQ sauce, brightening all the smoky flavors. If you're out, white vinegar or even lemon juice can be swapped in, but apple cider vinegar keeps it classic and mellow.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika brings an extra layer of smoky aroma and red color to the dry rub and sauce. Don't have smoked paprika? Regular sweet paprika will work in a pinch, though you'll miss a bit of that campfire depth.

Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs cooking process

Instructions for Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Ribs

Remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs by gently loosening one corner with a knife and peeling it off. This trick ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. Pat the racks dry with paper towels.

Season Generously

Brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil, then rub them all over with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every nook is coated-this forms the foundation of our flavor!

Wrap and Bake

Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned ribs, meat side up, on the sheet and cover tightly with more foil to lock in moisture. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours, until the ribs are super tender and almost falling off the bone.

Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce

While the ribs bake, stir together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and darkens. Taste and adjust the spice level.

Glaze and Broil

Once the ribs are done, drain any liquid from the pan. Brush the ribs generously with the chipotle BBQ sauce. Turn the oven to broil and broil the ribs (uncovered) for 3-5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes-watch closely so they don't burn!

Slice and Serve

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after broiling, then slice between the bones. Serve with extra sauce, napkins, and some fresh herbs if you like!

Recipe Variations

Go Spicy or Mild

Craving more heat? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ sauce. Want milder ribs? Simply reduce the number of chipotles and skip most of the adobo sauce.

Make Them Gluten-Free

Make sure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free (most mainstream brands are!). Double-check all your ingredients and you have a naturally gluten-free crowd-pleaser!

Honey Barbecue Ribs

Swap out the chipotles for 2 extra tablespoons of honey in the BBQ sauce. You'll get ultra-sweet and sticky ribs with just a hint of smoke from the paprika.

Use Beef Ribs Instead

Prefer beef? This recipe works beautifully with beef back ribs-just bake an extra 30-45 minutes, as beef takes longer to get tender.

Smoky Maple Twist

Swap honey for pure maple syrup in the sauce for a rich, smoky-sweet flavor that pairs especially well with fall gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chipotle BBQ ribs with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or roasted sweet potatoes for a full comfort-food meal. Garnish with extra chopped herbs (parsley or cilantro) and a squeeze of lime for a fresh pop of flavor. Don't forget a side of pickles or crisp dill spears-they complement the smoky, spicy BBQ perfectly!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place ribs in a foil-wrapped tray and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes. For faster reheating, microwave covered ribs on medium in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Ribs also freeze beautifully-wrap tightly in foil and a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Bake the ribs as instructed, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with sauce and broil until caramelized.

Q: Do I have to use chipotle peppers in adobo?

A: They add smoky heat, but if you don't have them, use smoked paprika and a little hot sauce for a milder smoky kick.

Q: Can I cook these ribs on the grill instead of in the oven?

A: Yes, bake as written and then finish on a medium grill for 5-8 minutes per side to get extra grill flavor and caramelization.

Ready to wow your friends and family with the best oven-baked ribs ever? Give these Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs a try-you'll love how easy and delicious they are! Don't forget to rate and comment below if you make them-I love hearing how they turn out!