Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex

A Vortex BBQ insert and a charcoal grill are a marriage made in heaven. I cannot tell you how often I use my Vortex, but it’s practically a daily thing for me. Recipes like this Amish fried chicken using the Vortex are why I keep firing up: fantastic, like-fried-in-oil chicken, with crazy good crunchy skin. Every bite is perfect, flavorful and moist. It quickly and easily can become an obsession to make fried chicken using a Vortex. Trust me.

Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Just Like Grandma’s

Amish fried chicken using the Vortex has that great down-home, grandma-made-it flavor. It’s all about the seasoning… and well, a little bit of butter too. You can’t beat the flavor and you can’t beat the moist, tender meat, thanks to the Vortex. This is a winner recipe, and easy to make to boot. Don’t have marjoram? A little oregano will work just as well. Ditto thyme.

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Also try my Vortex honey fried chicken and my yummy sweet tea fried chicken.

Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Amish fried chicken has that great down-home, grandma-made-it flavor. It's all about the seasoning… and well, a little bit of butter too.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 290kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Load up your Vortex with charcoal and light them while preparing the chicken.
  • Add oil to a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Stir well. Remove from heat.
  • Combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt and marjoram in a large resealable bag or a bowl.
  • Pour half of the oil and butter mixture into a small bowl. Brush onto all sides of the chicken.
  • Working in batches, transfer the chicken to the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake to coat, or dredge well in the bowl. Remove to a plate and finish coating the remaining pieces.
  • Transfer chicken to around the Vortex (now that the coals are ashed over). Close the grill lid and cook 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 160 F. Rotate the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes while cooking.
  • Brush (using a different brush than the one you used on the raw chicken) the reserved oil and butter mixture over the tops of the chicken and cook another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F and the skin is crispy.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Any chicken cuts will work but you’ll find that dark meat (such as thighs or legs) produces the tastiest, juiciest fried chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 1186mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Marinated Grilled Shrimp

These marinated grilled shrimp were beyond tasty. Beyond fantastic. The marinade adds so much flavor to each and every bite. And the dipping sauce? Perfect. This dish reminded me of an amped-up peel-and-eat shrimp boil. We both enjoyed these shrimp tremendously. I’m a major shrimp-aholic. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a little bit picky about them. These passed all of my tests with flying colors.

Marinated Grilled Shrimp

Amazing Flavor In Every Bite

It’s hard to think of anything I’d change when making these marinated grilled shrimp. Maybe I’d just say it makes one serving, because I certainly could’ve eaten more. I grilled up a few pieces of bread for soppin’ because I knew that the dipping sauce was going to be great long before I even made it.

I used my grill basket when I made this dish. It’s great for anything I need to flip that I might worry about falling thru the grates. And it makes for easy cleanup.

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Also try my easy grilled Cajun shrimp and my delicious peel and eat grilled shrimp. Into sous vide? You can make crazy good grilled shrimp with an immersion circulator.

Marinated Grilled Shrimp
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5 from 1 vote

Marinated Grilled Shrimp

I recommend doubling the dippin' sauce and serve with some grilled bread for soppin'!
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, shrimp
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 387kcal

Ingredients

For the shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp shelled, deveined tails on or off

For the marinade

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the marinade

  • Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a large plastic bowl.
  • Add the shrimp, stir, cover, and refrigerate 3-4 hours, turning the shrimp once.

For the dipping sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.

For the shrimp

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking, 400 F or higher.
  • Remove the shrimp from the marinade (reserving the marinade!), shaking off any excess.
  • Place on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until done, constantly basting with the marinade.
  • Remove and serve with the dipping sauce.

Notes

You can cook the shrimp directly on the grill or skewer them first.

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 347mg | Sodium: 2984mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Grilled BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells

It’s not that I needed any more cookware (or grillware). But I couldn’t help myself when I came across stainless steel oyster shells. I love seafood, and I figured hey, I really need to learn more seafood recipes, so why not get some shells and get to it?! Well, by golly these shells are just fun to cook in and I’ve found myself making super-awesome dishes, like these grilled BBQ shrimp in oyster shells. The shrimp cook up perfectly. And oh, the sauce. The sauce is just insane. The shrimp soak up some of that great buttery herby flavor. The rest of the soakin’ is up to you. Pick up the shell and drink it up, or dip a piece of nice crusty bread in it for a few seconds to sop it up. Man, it’s great!

Grilled BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells

Add Some Kick (Optional)

If you like a bit of a kick, add just a pinch (a small pinch) of red pepper flake on top of the shrimp just before grilling (I use my trusty Weber grill!). Don’t go crazy with it, the stars of the show are the perfectly cooked shrimp and fantastic sauce.

I Should’ve Bought More Shells

Don’t make the mistake I made and only purchase 12 stainless steel oyster shells. Everything I’ve made in them has been so yummy that I’ve always found myself craving more. And for more I’d need more shells. So get extra and you won’t be in the same boat.

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Also try my crabmeat stuff oyster shells.

Grilled BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled BBQ Shrimp in Oyster Shells

Well, by golly these shells are just fun to cook in and I’ve found myself making super-awesome dishes, like these grilled BBQ shrimp. The shrimp cook up perfectly.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, grilled, oyster shells, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 82kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: You can make the butter mix in a small saucepan on your grill or on your indoor stovetop, whichever you prefer.
  • Peel and devein the shrimp. Leave the tail shells on if desired.
  • Fire up your outdoor grill for direct cooking over high heat.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • And remaining ingredients except shells. Stir.
  • Bring mixture to a slow simmer and let simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Place 2 shrimp into each SOS shell.
  • Place the shells on the grill.
  • Cook until the shrimp begin to turn pink on the outside, 4-5 minutes.
  • Baste each shell with 1 tablespoon of the seasoned butter mixture.
  • Caution: The butter will flame up when added, which gives the shrimp a smoky flavor.
  • Cook just until the shrimp are done, 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure to keep your hands and face away from the fire when basting with the butter as flare ups can occur.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 502mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

I’ve never been to a Houston’s restaurant. Their food sure looks awesome. So though I can’t say this copycat recipe for their buttermilk garlic salad dressing is a true copycat, I can say it is fantastic. Like slurp-slurp-I-love-salad-more-than-ever-now fantastic. This is copycat recipe Houston buttermilk garlic salad dressing is Ranch to the max. Amp’d up. Taken to another level! Thanks mostly to the garlic, but also a few other things too!

Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

Give It A Rest. And A Shake.

Make sure you let the dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge overnight before serving. It makes a huge difference. And make a double batch because this copycat recipe for Houston’s buttermilk garlic salad dressing isn’t just for salad. It’s great for dipping wings. And veggies. Give the bottle a good shake (or the container a good stir) before serving. You should also give it a little taste after it has been sitting. You might want to add a bit more seasoning.

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If I do use this dressing for dipping, I like to serve it in these little dipping cups. And I even use the cups for server salad dressing, too. They are the perfect size for a single salad serving, or dipping wings, nuggets, tenders…. you name it. They also help me not over-dress my salad, which is something I tend to do with dressings like this Ranch. And they clean up easily too! They’re great!

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Also try my copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame dressing and my copycat Carrabba’s Creamy Parmesan dressing.

Copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing
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4 from 1 vote

Houston Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

I can't say this copycat of Houston's buttermilk garlic salad dressing is a true copycat, I can say it is fantastic. Like slurp-slurp-I-love-salad-more-than-ever-now fantastic.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword buttermilk, copycat, garlic, homemade salad dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
8 hours
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1001kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Alternatively, place all ingredients into a large bowl and whisk well.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight before using.

Notes

Stir well before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1001kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 101g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1417mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Old Bay Tartar Sauce

When I first saw this recipe for a spicy Old Bay tartar sauce it took me all of about 2 seconds to figure out exactly what I was going to use it on. A fried shrimp po boy. The sauce is perfect on a po boy. It has a mild Dijon flavor. It has a good bit of kick. And it tastes of Old Bay. If that doesn’t scream shrimp po boy I don’t know what does.

Spicy Old Bay Tartar Sauce

A Great Sandwich Spread

This recipe for Old Bay tartar sauce was inspired by a recipe from Steven Raichlen’s massive book, BBQ USA. It is packed with over 400 dishes, almost all with a spicy side to them. BBQ USA sits on my bookshelf along Raichlen’s other great cookbooks.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

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Also try my chipotle tartar sauce.

Spicy Old Bay Tartar Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Old Bay Tartar Sauce

When I first saw this recipe for a spicy Old Bay tartar sauce it took me all of about 2 seconds to figure out exactly what I was going to use it on. A fried shrimp po boy. 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword Old Bay, spicy, tartar sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1555kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Store in the fridge in a covered container for up to 1 week.

Notes

If I’m using this sauce as a tartar sauce I drain the capers. But I do not drain them if I’m using this as a dip for fried shrimp.

Nutrition

Calories: 1555kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 169g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1994mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 662IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

When I am making baby or fingerling potatoes, I almost always keep them whole. I know, cutting them in half gives you more surface area for seasonings, but I really, really love the ‘pop’ of biting into a baby potato. It’s probably just me but that’s why I kept these Parmesan garlic potatoes whole. Hey, they’re not that big and boy do they cook up creamy good. Smothered in tons of garlic and cheese, I absolutely loved them.

Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

Not Shortage Of Garlic Here

I mentioned fingerling potatoes. This dish would also be great using fingerling potatoes. Ditto with baby yellow potatoes. No matter which kind of potato you use, you’re going to enjoy a lot of garlicky cheesy goodness!

Since I’m somewhat of a butter-aholic I added a few pats of butter before serving up these Parmesan garlic potatoes.

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You can bake these potatoes in the oven or grill on the grill. If you’re heading outdoors with them, I recommend using a grill basket.

Parmesan Garlic Potatoes
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5 from 1 vote

Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

I really, really love the ‘pop’ of biting into a baby potato. It’s probably just me but that’s why I kept these Parmesan garlic potatoes whole. Hey, they’re not that big and boy do they cook up creamy good. Smothered in tons of garlic and cheese, I absolutely loved them.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic Parmesan, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 118kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Recipe Critic

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F or fire up a grill for indirect cooking.
  • Combine all ingredients except for the water in a baking dish (oven) or disposable aluminum pan (grill). Toss to coat. Pour in the water.
  • Cover with foil and bake or grill 20-30 minutes or until tender.
  • Serve garnish with chopped parsley and more freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Also try my crispy Parmesan potatoes.

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SPAM Burnt Ends

I’ve smoked SPAM. I’ve grilled SPAM. But I’d never made SPAM burnt ends until now. I can say without hesitation that my life is now complete. No, these aren’t beef brisket burned ends. You can’t beat brisket burned ends. But believe me, these are still really good. My first bite was an ‘oh, dang!’ moment for me. Like “oh, dang, give me some more of these!”.

SPAM Burnt Ends

Be Heavy-Handed

SPAM needs a bit of seasoning in my opinion. Though it’ll pick up some flavor from the smoke, it’s up to you to add the rest. You want your SPAM burnt ends to be super yummy! I decided to take a sweet heat approach with mine. I used a spicy BBQ rub for the seasoning. And for the sauce I used a sweet tomato-based BBQ sauce. You want a sauce that will caramelize, giving you a bit of a crust to the SPAM. The sweetness of the sauce contrasted perfectly with the spiciness of the rub.

You can experiment too. If you have multiple seasonings you’d like to try, go for it. I like to use toothpicks to distinguish my SPAM on the smoker. For example, I might use a single toothpick for my sweet BBQ seasoning. And two toothpicks indicates that it’s a spicy-seasoned SPAM. That way it’s easy to tell them apart. Just make sure you make a note. Otherwise, if you’re forgetful like me, you’ll get to the end of the smoke and think “Now, which one is which?”. It happens.

SPAM Burnt Ends

Incredibly Easy.

You really can’t get any easier than SPAM burnt ends. You can try other flavors of SPAM, too. As a note, you might want to change up which seasoning and sauce you use for each different variety.

This is a great way to use extra space on your smoker, too! If you have a fire going, why waste it?

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Also dig into some hot dog burnt ends!

SPAM Burnt Ends
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4 from 1 vote

SPAM Burnt Ends

You really can't get any easier than SPAM burnt ends. It's a great way to use extra space on your smoker, too!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 179kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for smoking 250-300 F. Use whichever wood you prefer. I used a few chunks of hickory.
  • Remove the SPAM from the tin and season heavily with the BBQ seasoning. Rub it in good, and get it everywhere. The more, the better, but don't put it on so thick that it cakes.
  • Smoke for about 1 hour or until the SPAM gets a bit of a crust on it and has turned a little darker in color.
  • Remove from the smoker and cut into 1" cubes. Brush all sides liberally with the sauce. Sprinkle lightly with more of the rub.
  • Transfer SPAM cubes to a disposable pan and return to the smoker.
  • Smoke another 30 minutes or until the sauce has started to caramelize.

Notes

Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 232mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Carrabba’s Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

I didn’t really know what to expect when I made this copycat recipe of Carrabba’s creamy Parmesan salad dressing. The recipe ingredients looked like they were right up my alley. But, sadly, I’d never been to the restaurant to try the real thing. Was I in for trouble or greatness? Well, I made the dressing, and I have to say that if this is anywhere near what you get at Carrabba’s, I’ve been missing out. Perfectly creamy, with plenty of nutty salty Parmesan, this dressing was perfect on a big dinner salad. It was difficult for me to exercise self-control! I am a bit of a salad dressing-aholic. I have to keep an eye on myself!

Carrabba's Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

Give It A Rest

Make sure you let the dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Give it one good last whisk or shake before serving. I wouldn’t change a thing about this copycat recipe of Carrabba’s creamy Parmesan salad dressing except to double it.

I find myself using these little sauce dipping cups more and more for salad dressings. They help me with portion control. Well, usually they do. They’re also the perfect size for dipping wings, nuggets, tenders and even vegetables. And they’re easy to clean, too!

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Also try my herby Ranch dressing and my copycat Houston Buttermilk Garlic dressing.

Copycat Carrabba's Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing
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4.20 from 5 votes

Carrabba’s Creamy Parmesan Salad Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

Perfectly creamy, with plenty of nutty salty Parmesan, this dressing was perfect on a big dinner salad.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, creamy, homemade salad dressing, Parmesan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
1 hour
Servings 1 cup
Calories 910kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl. Whisk well to combine.
  • Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Stir well before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 910kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1177mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 463IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 405mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Oh. My. Goodness. Spicy honey fried chicken made using the Vortex is off-the-charts fantastic. Crispy crunchy skin. Juicy, moist, tender chicken. You’ll find it hard to believe that this chicken wasn’t deep-fried. Nope, it was made on a charcoal grill, took less than an hour to make, and with no fuss or mess at all. And the drizzle? It’s a wonderful spicy honey mixture, that brings the heat and the sweet in each and every bite. You can make it sorta hot and spicy, super hot and spicy, or even leave out the kick entirely!

Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The Best Vortex Chicken

You can adjust just how much kick your spicy honey fried chicken using the Vortex has by using a different pepper, and using more or less than the recipe calls for. I used a whole serrano pepper, which is pretty spicy. A jalapeno would be about right for most folks without having to worry about scaring them off, and of course you don’t have to use the entire pepper. A habanero will wake up just about anyone. If you want to go the non-spicy route, just drizzle it with honey without the spicy pepper.

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Also try my buttery garlic fried chicken using the Vortex. And my Amish fried chicken is fantastic too!

Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Oh. My. Goodness. This spicy honey fried chicken is off-the-charts fantastic. Crispy crunchy skin. Juicy, moist, tender chicken.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, spicy, sweet, Vortex
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 1408kcal

Ingredients

For the crispy chicken

For the honey jalapeno drizzle

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 large jalapeno sliced

Instructions

  • Combine the buttermilk, egg, Cajun seasoning and hot sauce in a re-sealable container.
  • Add the chicken. If the chicken isn't completely covered in marinade, add more buttermilk.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight.
  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ insert. Fill it completely with charcoal and let the coals get ashed over and hot.
  • Combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, cornstarch and baking powder in a pie plate, bowl, or large baggie.
  • Grab each piece of chicken and shake off the excess marinade.
  • Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. Coat well then shake off any excess.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Vortex.
  • Close the lid and cook for 40 minutes. Rotate the lid every 15 minutes. The chicken should be near 165 F.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the honey jalapeno drizzle by heating the honey in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the jalapeno slices.
  • Once the honey starts to bubble remove from heat and let cool while the chicken cooks.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with the vegetable oil and cook another 5 minutes or until at 165 F.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a platter.
  • Drizzle with the jalapeno honey mixture and serve.

Notes

I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 1408kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 99g | Fat: 81g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 415mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 1123mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 1980IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Best Smoked Pulled Pork

This is how I make smoked pulled pork. After trying many, many different (great) methods and seasonings and injections, I consider this the best. I’m always happy with the results. Tender, moist, flavorful pork that always satisfies. I like mine served simple. On a bun, with a bit of sauce (sometimes, or dry sometimes) and a slice of onion or some crunchy slaw. That’s it.

Best Smoked Pulled Pork

Any Good BBQ Rub Will Do

I use AlbuKirky Seasoning’s Red Chile BBQ rub for my best smoked pulled pork (and usually my smoked ribs, too). It has the perfect Southwest-inspired depth-of-flavor, with a little kick. Not too spicy, not too sweet, I really like it. You can use your own rub too, or your favorite commercial rub.

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Also try Chris Lilly’s championship pork injection. It makes for fantastic pulled pork, too!

Best Smoked Pulled Pork
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5 from 1 vote

Best Smoked Pulled Pork

This is how I make smoked pulled pork. After trying many, many different (great) methods and seasonings and injections, I consider this the best.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, pork, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 7 pound pork shoulder

For the injection

For the rub (you'll have extra)

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker to cook at 225 F. Use a lighter wood, such as hickory, apple or cherry.
  • Trim any large pieces of fat off the pork. You don't have to be real picky about it, just get any large chunks.
  • Combine the injection ingredients. Inject half of the liquid into the pork shoulder. Reserve the remaining injection liquid.
  • Combine the rub ingredients and rub enough onto the outside of pork shoulder to season it well. You'll have leftover rub.
  • Transfer the shoulder to the smoker and smoke until it reaches 160 F, about 7 hours. Spritz the pork with the reserved injection liquid every 30 minutes.
  • Wrap the pork tightly in foil and continue smoking until it reaches 195-200 F, another 2-3 hours.
  • Remove from the smoker, wrap tightly in foil and let rest 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before chopping or shredding.

Notes

You can substitute your favorite rub.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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