How long do Chili's smoke their ribs in-house?

The process of smoking ribs is a critical part of preparing them at Chili's, contributing to the flavor and tenderness that many customers enjoy. In-house smoking for 2.5 hours allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavors while also breaking down the connective tissues, which leads to a more tender and flavorful product. This duration strikes a balance between achieving the desired taste and ensuring the ribs are cooked properly without drying out.

The other options reflect durations that are either too short or too lengthy for optimal results in this culinary method. A shorter time frame, such as 1 hour, would not allow adequate flavor penetration and tenderness, while an excessively long duration, like 4 hours, risks overcooking the meat, drying it out, or resulting in an overly smoky flavor that could overpower the natural taste of the ribs. Therefore, the choice of 2.5 hours is specifically tailored to ensure that Chili's ribs meet their standards for taste and texture.