First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? These Chipotle Honey Glazed Ribs Recipe are going to be your new go-to for any cookout or family gathering.
The combination of smoky chipotle and sweet honey creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds. If you love a balance of heat and sweetness, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Picture this: tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a sticky chipotle honey glaze. This dish is perfect for lazy weekends spent outdoors, and it pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Plus, the best part?
It’s simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it ideal even for novice grillers.
The Chipotle Honey Glazed Ribs Recipe perfectly balances smoky and sweet flavors, making it a standout choice for any summer barbecue.
These ribs are meant to be savored, with a sticky, caramelized glaze that enhances their tenderness and juicy texture.
Arranging them on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh herbs, makes for a visually appealing spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The magic of this dish lies in its glaze, which blends honey with chipotle for a rich, flavorful coating.
By simmering these ingredients together, you create a sticky sauce that clings to the ribs beautifully, enhancing each bite.
This glaze not only adds flavor but also a stunning sheen that makes the ribs irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the ribs with traditional sides amplifies the barbecue experience. A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat, while cornbread offers a comforting, slightly sweet companion.
These sides not only complement the flavors of the ribs but also round out the meal, making it perfect for gatherings.
Perfecting the Grilling Technique
Proper grilling is essential for achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Start by preheating your grill to medium-low heat, allowing the ribs to cook slowly and evenly.
Turning the ribs occasionally ensures even cooking and helps achieve that coveted caramelized exterior.
Brush on the glaze in the final moments to create a sticky finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chipotle Honey Glazed Ribs Recipe is ideal for both seasoned grillers and those new to the barbecue scene. It’s straightforward yet yields impressive results.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 2 hours, it’s a manageable endeavor that brings delicious rewards.
Nutrition Information
For those mindful of nutrition, each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a balance of protein and healthy fats.
This dish serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or family dinners.
Enjoying flavorful barbecue doesn’t have to come at the expense of health, and these ribs are a testament to that.
These ribs are not only tender and juicy but also boast a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from honey. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky coating that enhances the overall taste.
Ingredients
2 racks of baby back ribs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons chipotle sauce or minced chipotle peppers in adobo
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season the Ribs: Rub olive oil over the ribs, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, chipotle sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cumin. Heat over low until well mixed and slightly thickened.
Grill the Ribs: Preheat the grill to medium-low heat. Place the ribs on the grill, meat side down, and cook for about 2 hours, turning occasionally.
Glaze the Ribs: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the chipotle honey glaze every 10 minutes to create a sticky coating.
Serve: Once the ribs are tender and caramelized, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with extra glaze on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4-6 people
Calories: 350kcal
Fat: 20g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Brief Background
Chipotle honey glazed ribs combine smoky heat from chipotle peppers with the sweetness of honey for a bold BBQ flavor.
This fusion of spicy and sweet is inspired by southwestern and Mexican-style cooking, making it a standout dish for any grill session.
Grilling Tips or Variations
Use indirect heat: Cook ribs over indirect heat (275°F–300°F) to prevent burning the glaze.
Foil wrap for tenderness: Wrap ribs in foil during the first 2–3 hours of cooking to keep them moist.
Finish with high heat: Unwrap and glaze during the last 10–15 minutes over direct heat to caramelize.
Oil the grates: Prevent sticking by brushing grill grates with oil before placing ribs directly on them.
Use a drip pan: Place a drip pan under the ribs to catch any glaze runoff and reduce flare-ups.
Tasty Variations
Extra smoky: Add a handful of soaked wood chips (like hickory or applewood) to your grill.
Sweet heat twist: Mix in brown sugar or maple syrup with the honey for deeper sweetness.
Citrus zing: Add lime or orange zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy kick.
Spicy upgrade: Increase chipotles or add cayenne if you want more heat.
Dry rub base: Use a chipotle-based dry rub before glazing for extra flavor layers.
1. What kind of ribs work best for this recipe?
Baby back ribs or St. Louis-style spare ribs are both great options. Baby back ribs cook faster and are more tender, while spare ribs have more meat and flavor.
2. How spicy is the chipotle glaze?
The glaze has a smoky heat from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can adjust the spice level by using fewer peppers or adding a bit more honey for balance.
3. Should I remove the membrane from the ribs?
Yes, removing the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs helps them cook evenly and allows the glaze to better soak into the meat.
4. Can I bake the ribs instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the ribs low and slow in the oven at 275°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, then finish them under the broiler or on the grill with the glaze for caramelization.
5. When should I apply the chipotle honey glaze?
Apply the glaze during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Brush on several layers, allowing each to set before adding the next.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
