Crockpot Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Introduction
If you’re craving smoky, tender, and saucy ribs but don’t want to spend hours tending a grill or smoker, this Crockpot Barbecue Ribs recipe is your ultimate solution. Slow cooking allows the meat to become irresistibly juicy and flavorful while the barbecue sauce caramelizes beautifully. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend feast, these ribs will make everyone lick their fingers clean!
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 6–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
Ingredients
For 2–3 pounds (about 1–1.5 kg) chicken ribs:
2–3 lbs (1–1.5 kg) chicken baby back ribs or spare ribs
1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes for heat
Equipment Needed
Crockpot / Slow cooker
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Basting brush
Baking sheet (optional for broiling at the end)
Instructions
Prepare the ribs:
Remove the thin silver skin from the back of the ribs (this helps the seasoning penetrate and gives tender results).
Cut the rack into 2–3 sections so it fits easily in your crockpot.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Coat the ribs:
Brush both sides of the ribs generously with the sauce mixture.
Place the ribs in the crockpot, layering if needed, and pour any remaining sauce over them.
Slow cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the ribs are tender and nearly falling off the bone.
Optional (for caramelized glaze):
Preheat your oven broiler.
Carefully remove ribs from the crockpot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Brush with extra barbecue sauce and broil for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
Pro Tips
For extra flavor, season ribs with dry rub overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Use a smoky barbecue sauce to mimic the flavor of grilled ribs.
Don’t skip the broil step — it adds that perfect sticky, caramelized crust.
To make cleanup easier, use a crockpot liner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crockpot Barbecue Ribs with:
Creamy coleslaw
Cornbread or garlic bread
Baked beans or mashed potatoes
Grilled corn on the cob
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 820mg
Final Remarks
The pinnacle of simple comfort food is these Crockpot Barbecue Ribs. They are ideal for both special events and weeknight dinners because of their juicy, delicate meat and smoky-sweet glaze. Your house will smell like a southern BBQ paradise by dinner if you set them in the morning!