Skip to Content
Home » Recipes » Copycat Recipes » Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs Recipe

You’ll love making these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs at home with this easy copycat recipe.

With a blend of smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, and kosher salt, these ribs pack a flavor punch.

Before cooking, don’t forget to use liquid smoke for that authentic BBQ taste you crave.

I find using a pellet grill really enhances the smoky flavor.

Patience is key; slow cook these ribs to perfection, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with incredible tenderness!

How to Make Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

chilis baby back ribs feat

Ingredients

  • 2 racks Baby Back Ribs
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 can Cola (12 oz.)
  • Barbecue Sauce (your choice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Step 2:

Mix together the brown sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Step 3:

Rub 3 tablespoons of the spice blend all over the ribs, keeping the remaining blend for later.

Step 4:

Place the ribs on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and pour the cola over them.

Step 5:

Fold the edges of the foil together and seal them tightly to create a packet.

Step 6:

Place the packet on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is tender.

Step 7:

Remove the ribs from the foil and brush with barbecue sauce.

Step 8:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes on each side until slightly charred.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Removing the Membrane

Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning ensures they are tender and flavorful.

Using Fresh Ingredients

Always use fresh spices and high-quality barbecue sauce for the best taste.

Letting the Ribs Rest

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your desired level of spiciness.

Keeping an Eye on the Grill

Keep a close watch while grilling to prevent the ribs from burning. Use indirect heat if necessary.

What to Serve with Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

chilis baby back ribs closeup

Classic Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with this dish!

Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect match for the tender, smoky ribs.

Creamy Potato Salad

This side dish adds richness to your meal.

The herbs in the potato salad balance out the flavors of the ribs beautifully.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn introduces a smoky sweetness that pairs well with the ribs.

The slight char on the corn complements the barbecue seasoning.

Southern-Style Biscuits

Light and flaky biscuits are a comforting addition.

Their tenderness pairs nicely with the robust flavors of the ribs.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic add a homey touch.

They make for an excellent, hearty side dish.

Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Want something different?

Try roasted Brussels sprouts with a kick of spice.

They offer a unique, flavorful contrast to the ribs.

Avocado and Mango Salad

This fresh and fruity salad can be a refreshing option.

Avocado brings creaminess, while mango adds a sweet tang that surprises.

Smoky Grilled Pineapple

Grill some pineapple slices for an unexpected treat!

The smoky and sweet flavors bring a tropical note that goes well with barbecue.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus provides a savory crunch.

The salty bacon complements the tenderness of the asparagus, pairing well with the delicious ribs.

Enjoy your meal!

Variations and Substitutions

chilis baby back ribs pulled apart

You can experiment with different spices in your rub to create unique flavors!

Instead of paprika, try using smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste.

Replacing cayenne pepper with chipotle powder can add a nice kick.

Sweetness Variations

For a sweeter rub, add more brown sugar or try using honey powder.

You can also drizzle honey directly over the ribs before wrapping them in foil.

If you prefer a natural sweetness, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar.

Cooking Methods

If you don’t have a smoker, you can still make delicious ribs in the oven.

Adjust the temperature to 275°F and bake them wrapped in foil for 2.5 to 3 hours.

For added smokiness, use a bit of liquid smoke mixed in the sauce.

Sauce Alternatives

Try experimenting with different types of barbecue sauces.

Using a tangy Carolina-style sauce can provide a nice contrast to the sweet rub.

You could also go for a spicier sauce by adding more hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

Meat Choices

You can use St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs for a meatier bite.

Beef ribs can also work well but will require a longer cooking time.

Pork spare ribs are another great option and can be cooked similarly to baby back ribs.

Diet-Friendly Substitutions

For a low-sodium option, reduce the amount of salt or use a salt substitute.

Switch out the sugar with a low-carb sweetener like Stevia for a keto-friendly version.

You can also make a gluten-free rub by ensuring all spices and sauces are gluten-free.

Experiment and enjoy customizing your ribs to suit your taste!

How to Store Leftover Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

Cool the Ribs Properly

Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing.

This helps prevent any condensation which can make the ribs soggy.

Wrap the Ribs Securely

Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil to maintain their moisture and flavor.

Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Refrigerate or Freeze

For short-term storage, place the wrapped ribs in the refrigerator.

They can stay good for up to three days in the fridge.

If you need to store the ribs for a longer period, freeze them.

Frozen ribs can last up to three months while maintaining their taste and texture.

Label and Date

Always label and date the packaging.

This way, you’ll know exactly how long you’ve stored the ribs.

Proper labeling ensures you consume them before they lose their quality or go bad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Ribs

Cooking the ribs for too long can make them dry and tough.

You want to slow-cook them until they’re tender and juicy, not falling apart.

Keeping an eye on the cooking time ensures they come out perfect every time.

Neglecting the Marination Process

Skipping the marination leaves the ribs lacking flavor.

It’s essential to let the ribs marinate for at least a few hours or overnight.

This allows the spices and sauce to seep into the meat, enhancing the taste.

Using the Wrong Type of Sauce

Not all barbecue sauces are created equal.

Using a sauce that’s too sweet or spicy can throw off the balance.

Finding the right sauce, preferably a classic BBQ one, replicates that Chili’s signature taste.

chilis baby back ribs feat

Chili's Baby Back Ribs Recipe

You'll love making these fall-off-the-bone pork ribs at home with this easy copycat recipe.
With a blend of smoked paprika, dark brown sugar, and kosher salt, these ribs pack a flavor punch.
Before cooking, don't forget to use liquid smoke for that authentic BBQ taste you crave.
I find using a pellet grill really enhances the smoky flavor.
Patience is key; slow cook these ribs to perfection, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with incredible tenderness!
 
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 2 racks Baby Back Ribs
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 can Cola 12 oz.
  • Barbecue Sauce your choice
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Mix together the brown sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
  • Rub 3 tablespoons of the spice blend all over the ribs, keeping the remaining blend for later.
  • Place the ribs on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and pour the cola over them.
  • Fold the edges of the foil together and seal them tightly to create a packet.
  • Place the packet on a baking sheet and bake for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is tender.
  • Remove the ribs from the foil and brush with barbecue sauce.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes on each side until slightly charred.

Do you like this recipe or these cooking tips?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
Latest posts by Michael Cook (see all)
(Visited 262 times, 1 visits today)

DMCA.com Protection Status