There’s something deeply comforting about a pan of slow-cooked, smoky, tender country style pork ribs fresh from the oven. This smoky chipotle country pork ribs recipe is your new go-to when you’re craving that BBQ punch without firing up a grill. It hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, spicy, and irresistibly savory. Whether you’re a fan of oven baked country style pork ribs or looking to spice up your collection of pork chop recipes, this dish delivers with its juicy meat and bold chipotle flavor. Best part? It’s super easy to make right in your kitchen, no smoker needed.
Smoky Chipotle Country Pork Ribs
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Baking dish or roasting pan A ceramic or metal dish large enough to lay out the ribs in a single layer.
Blender or food processor To blend the chipotle glaze ingredients until smooth.
Aluminum foil Essential for trapping moisture during the first part of roasting.
Tongs or spatula For flipping and moving the ribs.
Meat thermometer (optional) To ensure the internal temperature hits around 190°F for ultra-tender ribs.
For the Chipotle Rub & Glaze
- 3 lbs boneless country style pork ribs bone-in ribs also work, just adjust cooking time
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup optional for a sweet glaze
For Serving (optional but recommended)
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Pickled red onions
- Warm tortillas or cornbread
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 300°F. This low-and-slow method is key for tender results when making oven baked country style pork ribs. Line a baking dish or roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Make the Chipotle Glaze
In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, paprika, brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust for heat—add more chipotle for spice or honey for sweetness.
Coat the Ribs
Place the boneless country style pork ribs (or bone in country style pork ribs oven style if you're using those) in the baking dish. Pour over the chipotle mixture and rub it evenly across the ribs with your hands or a brush. Make sure every piece is well coated.
Cover and Roast
Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—the ribs slowly braise in their own juices and the flavorful chipotle sauce.
Uncover and Caramelize
After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the ribs with any remaining glaze in the pan. Roast uncovered for another 15 minutes to caramelize the edges and crisp up the outside.
Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and pickled red onions for a burst of brightness.
Pairings That Elevate the Plate
This smoky chipotle flavor profile pairs beautifully with sides that cool or contrast:
- Mexican street corn salad (esquites) or simple grilled corn
- Creamy coleslaw to balance the spice
- Cilantro lime rice or Mexican-style rice
- Sweet cornbread or warm tortillas
- Cold beer, smoky mezcal cocktails, or a tangy hibiscus agua fresca
Feeling extra indulgent? A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with roasted country style pork ribs and a drizzle of the glaze is next-level comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cut of pork should I use?
This recipe is best with boneless country style pork ribs, which are cut from the shoulder and have just the right fat-to-meat ratio for roasting. That said, bone in country style pork ribs work too—they’ll just take a little longer to get fall-apart tender. Avoid lean loin cuts, which can dry out.
2. Can I make this with beef instead?
Absolutely! Swap in beef country style ribs and follow the same method. You may need to increase cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
3. What’s the difference between country style pork ribs and other ribs?
Country style ribs aren’t actually ribs—they’re more like pork chops with extra marbling. They’re meatier and more affordable than baby back ribs or spare ribs, making them perfect for recipes like this country ribs recipe where slow roasting transforms them into juicy, flavorful bites.
4. Can I fry these instead?
You sure can! For a fried ribs recipe twist, cook the ribs halfway in the oven, then finish by crisping them in a skillet with oil for that irresistible sear.
5. Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe for country style ribs keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days and reheats beautifully. Store extra glaze separately to drizzle over before serving.
