Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork back ribs slow-roasted and coated in a smoky chipotle glaze for a rich, deep flavor. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 210 minutes, pairs pork back ribs, chipotle powder, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Pat 3 pounds pork back ribs dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with 2 teaspoons chipotle powder, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the ribs and rub the spices and oil into the meat thoroughly. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, bone side down.
  3. Step 3: Cover the ribs tightly with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours until very tender.
  4. Step 4: While ribs roast, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from oven, discard the top foil, and brush the chipotle glaze generously over the ribs. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and return ribs uncovered for 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze and create a sticky finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Pork Back Ribs with Smoky Chipotle Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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