Category: From the Vortex

Sylvia’s Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

One of my favorite things to make for dinner is ‘fried’ chicken, like Sylvia’s crispy fried chicken using the Vortex on my Weber Performer grill. It’s about the easiest thing you can make. Just fire up, coat the chicken, place it on the grill and come back in 45 minutes or so to grab some delicious chicken. You’d swear it was fried in oil it’s so good. Crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect. Chicken made this way has never disappointed. And the skin! If you love crunchy skin you’re in luck because this is the best crunchy skin!

Sylvia's Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Sometimes I make my own coating and sometimes I just grab a box at the store. This time I went with Sylvia’s Crispy Fried Chicken mix and boy, was it ever fantastic. Not only crispy but seasoned perfectly. Good ole southern fried chicken flavor. Sylvia’s Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex is amazingly good.

If you’re new to making fried chicken on the Vortex, Sylvia’s is an excellent way to get into the game. You’ll love, it trust me. I prefer to use bone-in, skin-on chicken things. They have the most flavor and the produce the moistest chicken you can imagine.

Also try my Cajun-brined fried chicken using the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Sylvia's Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sylvia’s Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Just fire up, coat the chicken, place it on the grill and come back in 45 minutes or so to grab some delicious chicken. You’d swear it was fried in oil it’s so good. Crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 497kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Vortex. I fill mine completely with charcoal and light it using my homemade fire starter cubes, but whatever works for you works for you. Just make sure you get the coals good and hot.
  • Rinse the chicken in cold water and shake off any excess water.
  • Place the coating mix in a pie pan or resealable bag.
  • Working in batches roll the chicken in the mix or place in the bag, seal, and shake to coat.
  • Transfer to the grill around the Vortex.
  • Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F as measured in several places. You may rotate the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes if you wish but I’ve not found that it makes a big difference, specially on my 18″ or 22″ grills.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil the last 5 minutes of cooking to help crisp up the skin.
  • Remove and serve.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the fry mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Protein: 43g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 437mg | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I use the heck out of my Vortex on my charcoal grills. I have several of them and I keep them busy with everything from wings to my favorite, ‘fried’ chicken. This time I took a fairly traditional deep-fryer recipe and adapted it for the Vortex. This Cajun-brined fried chicken using the Vortex is absolutely amazing. The chicken is just crazy tender and juicy. Like drip-when-you-bite-into-it moist. Oh, and that crunchy skin. Oh my goodness. The skin is just incredible. This is unbelievable chicken right here.

Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I almost always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs when I make this Cajun-brined fried chicken or any other ‘fried’ chicken using the Vortex. The dark meat has the most flavor and always cooks up tender and juicy. You can use any cuts you like but for my money, you can’t go wrong with thighs. I often find them on sale in family packs at the grocery store for less an a dollar per pound. Eight big thighs for less than six bucks is a total steal in my book.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try Silvia’s crispy fried chicken using the Vortex.

Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I almost always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs when I make this Cajun-brined fried chicken or any other ‘fried’ chicken using the Vortex. The dark meat has the most flavor and always cooks up tender and juicy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 506kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large sealable plastic container combine the water, all but 2 tablespoons of the salt and all but 2 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Add the chicken and submerge. Cover and refrigerate 8-24 hours, turning the chicken at least once to make sure all of the pieces get brined evenly.
  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex insert full of charcoal.
  • Whisk together the remaining salt, Cajun seasoning, flour, black pepper and cayenne.
  • In another large bowl combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
  • Working in batches, remove the chicken from the brine and shake off excess. Transfer to the flour mixture and coat well, then shake off any excess.
  • Transfer to the buttermilk mixture and coat well, then shake off any excess. Once more coat in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then transfer to a wire rack while you coat the remaining pieces.
  • Transfer to your grill around the now-ashed charcoal-filled Vortex. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken has reached 165 F as checked in several places.
  • Lightly brush the tops of the chicken with some oil and cook another 3 minutes to get the skin good and crunchy.
  • Remove chicken from the grill and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 14466mg | Potassium: 755mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 7046IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Orange Chicken using the Vortex

No, it’s not an illusion. It’s not Photoshopped. And I’m not fibbing. This crunchy, moist, tender, delicious chicken was not deep-fried. It was made on a charcoal grill using the Vortex. There’s no such thing as bad ‘fried’ chicken on the Vortex, and this orange chicken using the Vortex is just another example of just how great it can be. Make extra, because you’ll want more. And more.

Orange Chicken using the Vortex

I like to brush my orange chicken using the Vortex with the orange sauce just before it is completely done. I let it cook just a bit more to set the sauce. You can stop there, or serve the chicken with extra sauce for dipping. The sauce is great, and also makes for a fantastic wing sauce!

Also try my Korean fried chicken made with a Vortex and also my buttery garlic chicken (it’s crazy garlicky!).

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Orange Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Orange Chicken using the Vortex

No, it’s not an illusion. It’s not Photoshopped. And I’m not fibbing. This crunchy, moist, tender, delicious chicken was not deep-fried. It was made on a charcoal grill using the Vortex.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 3661kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Rock Recipes

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the egg wash

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup water

For the orange sauce (you'll have plenty of sauce leftover for another batch)

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex insert in the middle, small side up. Get the charcoal good and hot and just ashed over.
  • Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage paprika and cayenne pepper in a resealable bag, bowl or pie pan.
  • Whisk together the eggs and water.
  • Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper then dip into the flour mixture. Shake off the excess and dip into the egg wash. Shake off the excess and dip one more time into the spice mixture.
  • Transfer chicken around the Vortex. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken hits 145 F as measured in several places. Turn the grill lid 90% every 15 minutes.
  • Lightly brush each piece of chicken with the orange sauce and cook another 5 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool then serve with more orange sauce for dipping. Alternatively, dip each piece of chicken into the sauce and serve.

For the orange sauce

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the water and corn starch. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • Mix together the corn starch and water and slowly whisk into the sauce. The sauce will thicken. Bring to a boil then remove from the heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 3661kcal | Carbohydrates: 409g | Protein: 142g | Fat: 167g | Saturated Fat: 68g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 992mg | Sodium: 6526mg | Potassium: 3493mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 273g | Vitamin A: 3866IU | Vitamin C: 387mg | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 18mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

St Louis-Style Ribs using the Vortex

Oh skeptical me. Sure, I’ve grilled St. Louis-style ribs before on my Weber grills. High heat. Low heat. I’ve done them both and they were great. But with a Vortex? That’s not just high heat, it’s crazy hot heat. I was skeptical about making St Louis-style ribs using the Vortex, and well… wrongfully so. In less than an hour I had great ribs. A slight smoky flavor (they even had a beautiful smoke ring!). Tender. Very, very juicy. And my favorite part, a bit of a crunchy edge. Some people call them rib sticks. I call them yummy!

St Louis-Style Ribs using the Vortex

Making St Louis-style ribs using the Vortex is just as easy as making wings or fried chicken using the high-heat insert. It really is fire-and-forget. There’s no fuss, no messing with things, no flipping, nothing. They’re done in 45 minutes. Count on it.

St. Louis-style ribs are great cooked on a good ole gas grill too! And for the perfect side, make my garlic Parmesan Vortex potato wedges!

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
St Louis-Style Ribs using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

St Louis-Style Ribs using the Vortex

Making St Louis-style ribs using the Vortex is just as easy as making wings or fried chicken using the high-heat insert. It really is fire-and-forget. There’s no fuss, no messing with things, no flipping, nothing. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ribs, Vortex
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 630kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up a Vortex full of charcoal. You can fit a rack of ribs around an 18" or larger grill. Place a wood chunk or two over the coals for smokier flavor. Keep the top and bottom vents open all of the way the entire time.
  • Remove the membrane from the bone-side of the ribs.
  • Cut the ribs into single bone servings. Think rib stick because that's what you're after. Try and get equal amounts of meat on each side of the bone.
  • Season the ribs well with the seasoning.
  • Place the ribs, meat-side up, around the Vortex. Don't let them touch. Close the lid and let cook 40-45 minutes. I did not turn my lid, but on a larger grill, 22" or bigger, you may want turn rotate it 90 degrees every 15 minutes.
  • Once the ribs are done (you'll see the meat has pulled back about an inch on the bones), brush with sauce and let cook another 5 minutes to set the sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include rub or sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 182mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 551mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken using the Vortex

If you’re craving garlic flavor, you’ve come to the right place. My buttery garlic fried chicken made using the Vortex brings the garlic punch and then some. And crunchy skin? Craving that too? Got you covered there, too. This is some great chicken. Everyone will think you slaved for hours and had to deep-fry the chicken, but nope. No deep fryer here! No big huge bucket of oil required! Just a charcoal grill, some charcoal, a Vortex and a small number of ingredients and in no time you’ve got crazy good, amazing chicken!

Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I’ve found that just about any recipe for deep-fried chicken can be adapted for use on the Vortex. This buttery garlic fried chicken using the Vortex is another great example. The key is to not have overly-thick batter. My experience has been that thick, pancake batter-like batter cooks unevenly and doesn’t end up with the crunch you are wanting. You’ll find that this recipe produces fantastic crunch while keeping the chicken moist, tender and super tasty. There’s no question that this chicken packs in both the butter and garlic flavors either.

Also try my Korean fried chicken and my spicy honey fried chicken made using the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken using the Vortex

If you’re craving garlic flavor, you’ve come to the right place. My buttery garlic fried chicken made using the Vortex brings the garlic punch and then some. And crunchy skin? Craving that too? Got you covered there, too.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, garlicky, Vortex
Prep Time 1 day 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 546kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Forks ‘n Flipflops

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the dredge

For the garlic butter

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable container.
  • Combine the oil, garlic powder, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Add to the chicken and toss gently to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 24 hours (preferred).

For the dredge

  • Fire up your grill with a Vortex full of charcoal. While it gets hot, prepare the chicken.
  • In a pie plate or shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • In another pie plate or shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg whites.
  • Remove chicken from marinade. Dip pieces into the egg whites and shake off excess.
  • Transfer chicken to flour to coat.
  • Return chicken to the egg whites and coat again. Shake off excess.
  • Transfer chicken to flour again and coat. Shake off excess and transfer to a wire rack or plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to the grill around the Vortex.
  • Cook for 45 minutes or until chicken reads at least 165 F.
  • Spoon half of the garlic butter from below over tops of chicken and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Serve plated with remaining garlic butter spooned over top of chicken.

For the garlic butter

  • In a small skillet on med heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, minced garlic and water. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add remaining 7 tablespoons until melted. Remove from heat and pour into small bowl. Add minced parsley, salt and black pepper and whisk together. Spoon or brush over tops of the chicken pieces right before serving.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add remaining butter and stir until melted.
  • Add the parsley, salt and pepper. Stir.
  • Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 2511mg | Potassium: 277mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1261IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Korean Fried Chicken using the Vortex

This Korean fried chicken using the Vortex was right up my alley. As always with the Vortex, the chicken is cooked perfectly. Tender and juicy and delicious. The batter makes for an incredible crunchy coating. I mean, crazy crunchy goodness! And the sauce? Score! Asian flavors with a great spiciness. This is a different tasting chicken than the usual southern-inspired versions I make on a regular basis. And I do mean regular. The Vortex makes awesome chicken.

Korean Fried Chicken using the Vortex

This Korean fried chicken using the Vortex ain’t no wimpy chicken! I added more sriracha than called for because, hey, I like a little kick! I admit that I doubled the sauce ingredients, and I did end up with a little sauce leftover which of course found it’s way onto chicken wings!

You can tame down the hot sauce and still have some great-tasting fantastic chicken. Or make half a batch mild and half a batch hot! No matter how you do it, it’s impossible to go wrong with chicken cooked using a Vortex. Impossible! It’ll always have crunchy skin. And it’ll always have tender, juicy meat. Each and every time.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try my spicy buttermilk fried chicken, orange chicken and my buttery garlic fried chicken, both made using a Vortex.

Korean Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Korean Fried Chicken using the Vortex

This Korean fried chicken using the Vortex was right up my alley. As always with the Vortex, the chicken is cooked perfectly. Tender and juicy and delicious.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 8 servings
Calories 234kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the sauce

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Combine the salt and water in a large bowl or container. Stir until the salt is dissolved then add the chicken. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
  • Combine 3/4 cup of cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of baking powder in a bowl or large baggie. Working in patches, remove the chicken pieces from the brine and pat dry. Transfer to the cornstarch mixture and coat well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 3/4 cups of flour. While still whisking, pour in the beer and create a smooth batter.
  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex. Get the coals good and hot, just ashed over.
  • Remove the chicken from the cornstarch mixture and shake off any excess. Dunk into the batter a few times and shake off any excess. Transfer to the grill around the Vortex.
  • Once the chicken hits 165 F as measured in several locations, brush several times with the sauce. Alternatively, remove the chicken from the grill and dunk into the sauce.

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir until combined. Keep warm until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 7734mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

There are two choices when it comes to making ‘fried’ chicken using a Vortex. You can make your own batter from scratch or you can use a mix from the store. I’ve done both time and time again and have never ever been disappointed. This time I picked up a box of Fry Krisp Krispy Country chicken mix. It’s the easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying. This Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex was amazing.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

When I make Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex I like to brush my chicken with just a bit of oil just before I pull it off the grill. It gives the chicken a bit more crunch and coats any leftover batter that might be hanging around. It’s completely optional, but I always do it. This really tastes like fried chicken.

Also try my easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

The easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 249kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Prepare chicken per package instructions.
  • Transfer chicken to your grill grate around the Vortex and cook until done, about 45 minutes.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get a crispier skin.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 218mg | Vitamin A: 162IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

We both absolutely love making ‘fried’ chicken on our Weber Jumbo Joe or Performer using the Vortex BBQ. We can’t stop being amazed as to how much like ‘real’ fried chicken it is. From the crunchy skin to moist, tender, delicious meat, you cannot beat it. After trying literally 100s of recipes, this easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex one is our go-to, easy technique. The end result is incredible.

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

You can use the same approach as I did for making this easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex for your own variation. I am partial to hot sauce, but if you’re not, you can leave it out. And I’m partial to Cajun or Creole seasoning, but any seasoning mix will work. However, steer clear of any rub or mix that contains sugars as those will tender to burn with the high heat from the Vortex.

Also try my injected fried chicken and my super-easy Krispy Country fried chicken using the Vortex.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex

After trying literally 100s of recipes, this easy Cajun fried chicken one is our go-to, easy technique. The end result is incredible.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 417kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a resealable container. Add the chicken pieces. If the chicken isn't completely covered, add more buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate 12 hours or overnight.
  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ in the center. Fill the Vortex completely with coals and let them light completely before adding the chicken.
  • Combine the flour and seasoning in a large baggie, bowl or pie plate.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess. Add to the flour mixture and coat well.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill and close the lid with the vents wide open. Cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. You may turn the lid 90% every 15 minutes if desired, but I haven't found that it matters much on a smaller charcoal grill. On larger ones I do rotate the lid.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with some oil and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 1006mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1212IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Hidden Valley Ranch Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The beauty of the Vortex BBQ insert is that you can take pretty much any deep-fryer recipe and use it on a charcoal grill. It doesn’t have to be for chicken either. This Hidden Valley Ranch fried chicken using the Vortex is a perfect example of just how amazing it is. The meat is crazy tender, unbelievable moist. And the skin? Well, let’s just say I leave it for last because it’s almost like dessert. A true treat.

Hidden Valley Ranch Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Hidden Valley Ranch fried chicken using the Vortex is incredibly easy to make. And there’s no mess or clean up like if you’d fried the chicken on the stovetop or in a deep fryer. It’s why I love all my Vortexes. I have some for my big charcoal grills and some for my smaller charcoal grills. Which one I use depends on how much I’m cooking, but no matter what, everything comes out fantastic.

I like to brush my fried chicken with a very light coating of oil just before I pull it off the grill. I give it a few more minutes to cook, then I get extra-crispy skin. It’s that extra little touch that really makes the final product feel and taste and look like it was deep-fried.

Also try my Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
Hidden Valley Ranch Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Hidden Valley Ranch Fried Chicken using the Vortex

This Hidden Valley Ranch fried chicken is crazy tender, unbelievable moist. And the skin? Well, let’s just say I leave it for last because it’s almost like dessert. A true treat.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Ranch, Vortex
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 pieces
Calories 190kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken in a resealable container or bag. Add the dressing. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex insert. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
  • Combine the pepper, flour and salt in a pie plate, bowl or baggie. Add the chicken and coat well.
  • Transfer chicken to your grill around the Vortex. Do not let the pieces overlap or touch.
  • Cook for approximate 45 minutes or until the chicken is done. Test for 165 F in several places then remove.
  • If desired, lightly brush the chicken with oil and let cook another 5 minutes. This will produce even crunchier chicken.
  • Let cool slightly and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I keep having to pinch myself when I make ‘fried’ chicken on my charcoal grill using the Vortex. Am I dreaming? I’m really eating deep-fried chicken, right? But it’s not. No oil was used in making Granny’s Secret Fried chicken using the Vortex, other than a very light coating at the end to help crisp up the skin. That’s it. The skin is amazingly crunchy and crazy delicious. The meat is so juicy that it drips all down your forearms. And tender? Super perfect texture, bite after bite. Seriously, this is crazy good fried chicken with the added bonus of being made on a grill without oil.

Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The ‘secret’ to Granny’s Secret Fried chicken using the Vortex is using Pearl Milling Company’s pancake mix for the coating. I’ve never used it on chicken. I will be from now on. It crisps up perfectly. Grandma’s secret is out! This is a super-easy recipe that takes very little time to produce great chicken. Once it’s on the grill, it’s pretty much no-fuss, just wait for the deliciousness to come!

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try my spicy buttermilk and Hidden Valley Ranch fried chicken recipes, both using the Vortex. For a battered fried chicken try my Pioneer Take-out fried chicken too!

Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I keep having to pinch myself when I make ‘fried’ chicken on my charcoal grill using the Vortex. Am I dreaming? I’m really eating deep-fried chicken, right? But it’s not.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 992kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the brine

For the chicken

Instructions

For the brine

  • Combine all brine ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the salt is dissolved and the honey is melted. Remove from heat and let cool.

For the chicken

  • Place the chicken in a large resealable container. Add the cooled brine. Refrigerate for 3 1/2 hours. Turn the chicken every 30 minutes or so if not fully submerged.
  • Fire up your Vortex. Fill it completely with charcoal.
  • Remove chicken from brine and rinse.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the egg, butter and milk.
  • In a resealable bag, combine the pancake mix, salt and pepper.
  • Working in batches, dip chicken into the egg mixture. Shake off excess then place in the bag. Seal and shake to coat.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill around the Vortex. Close the lid and cook for 30-45 minutes. Turn the lid every 15 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches 165 F as tested in several places.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil and let cook another 5 minutes before removing.

Notes

Add a teaspoon or two of paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper to the coating mix for even more deliciousness!

Nutrition

Calories: 992kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 317mg | Sodium: 7650mg | Potassium: 658mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1335IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 299mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC