Category: Recipes

Quick Fix Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise

The other night I dreamed I was on a deserted island. I could only pick one sandwich to have on the island for the rest of my life. It came down to a choice between a Reuben and a club sandwich. I went with the club sandwich, believe it or not. But not an ordinary club sandwich. Instead, my quick fix club sandwich with pesto mayonnaise! I definitely made the right choice!

Quick Fix Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise

This quick fix club sandwich with pesto mayonnaise is different and delicious! And as much as I do love a good Reuben sandwich, I know I made the right choice. Crunchy bacon. Tangy cheese. Crispy lettuce. Ripe tomato. And that nutty pesto. If you find pesto strong, don’t use much, just enough to get the taste. If you love pesto, load up on it!

I am required to have my club sandwich (any club sandwich) with a dill pickle spear. It has to be super cold, too. Hopefully I can get those on my island.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my BBQ Island club sandwich.

Quick Fix Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise

The other night I dreamed I was on a deserted island. I could only pick one sandwich to have on the island for the rest of my life. It came down to a choice between a Reuben and a club sandwich. I went with the club sandwich
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword quick fix, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 1041kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Spend with Pennies

Ingredients

For the sandwich

  • 6 slices bread toasted
  • 4 tablespoons Pesto mayonnaise from below
  • 4 ounces sliced turkey
  • 4 ounces sliced ham
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, cut in half
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • ½ cup green leaf lettuce chopped or in leaves
  • 2 spears dill pickle for serving

For the pesto mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Arrange 4 slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread each slice with some of the pesto mayonnaise.
  • Add a slice of cheese and top with the meats.
  • Divide tomato, bacon and mayonnaise between sandwiches.
  • Add top slice of bread. Cut into halves.
  • Serve with pickle spears.

Nutrition

Calories: 1041kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 2362mg | Potassium: 875mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2107IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 412mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Alabama White Sauce Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Give me a grill, a Vortex full of lit charcoal, and a few pieces of chicken and I’m one happy guy. One of my all-time favorite things to make on my grill is ‘fried’ chicken using the Vortex. I’ve made countless variations, all fantastic. Like this Alabama White Sauce fried chicken using the Vortex. Just like all my others, it tastes and looks just like chicken fried in oil. The tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce is different. If you’ve never had it, I highly recommend it. It’s great on any chicken, fried, grilled, roasted, you name it.

Alabama White Sauce Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The Vortex always produces the most tender, juicy chicken you can find. This is a great, easy way to prepare delicious chicken. The addition of the Alabama White Sauce makes it different than ‘normal’ fried or traditional tomato-based BBQ chicken. Try it and you’ll find that you love this Alabama white sauce fried chicken using the Vortex just as much as I do.

I have a few Vortex inserts because, well, I have a few grills. By far my favorite setup is the Vortex in my Weber Performer grill. I can easily fit 8 large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts around the grill without crowding them. They have never come out anything but fantastic. It’s as easy as you can get.

Also try my Vortex hot stuff 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
Alabama White Sauce Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Alabama White Sauce Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce is different. If you've never had it, I highly recommend it. It's great on any chicken, fried, grilled, roasted, you name it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 249kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Load up your Vortex full of charcoal and light. Meanwhile, get the chicken ready.
  • Rinse chicken and pat dry.
  • Place chicken in a large resealable container or bag.
  • Once the charcoal is fully lit, remove the chicken from the bag and shake off any excess.
  • Transfer chicken to around the Vortex and close the lid, keeping the top vent open.
  • Cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F. Turn the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes of cook time if desired.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with some of the white sauce and continue cooking another 5-10 minutes.
  • Serve with more white sauce for dipping if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | 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

Quick Fix Messy Meatball Sandwich

I always keep frozen cooked meatballs on hand. They might be homemade. Or they might be store-bought. Either way, they’re always around because I never know when I might need a really quick lunch. You can’t get much simpler than this quick fix messy meatball sandwich. Remember my motto: the messier the better and this is definitely better!

Quick Fix Messy Meatball Sandwich

Quick fix messy meatball sandwiches aren’t meant to be fussy. If you’re in a super-duper hurry you can skip the baking part of the recipe and just place the sandwiches under a hot broiler for a minute or two. Keep an eye on them, though. They’ll get mighty crusty mighty quick! You want a bit of a crunch to them. I admit, I don’t follow this recipe that closely. I don’t measure the marinara sauce. Or the cheeses. Just eyeball it. But get enough of each so that it ends up being messy.

Although I used marinara sauce the last time I made these, you can also substitute pizza sauce. Jarred or canned, it doesn’t matter. I do recommend that you hand-shred the mozzarella, though. It might violate my keep-it-simple rule, but it’s worth the extra 15 seconds (if you use a good shredder).

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Quick Fix Messy Meatball Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Messy Meatball Sandwich

You can’t get much simpler than this quick fix messy meatball sandwich. Remember my motto: the messier the better and this is definitely better!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, quick fix, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 479kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 meatballs frozen
  • 1 ⅓ cup marinara sauce pizza sauce is great too!
  • 4 hoagie rolls sub rolls or baguettes also work great!
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ⅓ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place meatballs and sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cover and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through, stirring often.
  • Turn rolls on their sides, sliced side up. If they aren't pre-sliced cut them about 3/4ths of the way through but not all the way.
  • Divide meatballs and sauce between the rolls, gently pushing the meatballs down.
  • Sprinkle cheeses over top along with the oregano.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns have started to brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1086mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 676IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Quick Fix Gumbo

I love gumbo. It’s my number one go-to Cajun dish. And to really make a great gumbo you need to devote some time (and love) for it to really be something special. Give me a cold winter’s day and I won’t hesitate to take that time, but sometimes, I just don’t have the luxury. That’s where my quick fix gumbo comes in. All the flavors of a full-blown gumbo, but it takes a lot less time.

Quick Fix Gumbo

The two major timesavers for this quick fix gumbo are using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own, and using a pre-made roux from the store. Making a roux takes a little time to do right, and it is worth the time… when you have the time. When you don’t, grab a jar of almost-as-good roux from the store. Our local grocery store has a (sadly, small) southern foods section. That’s where I found ready-to-use roux.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Chicken Stock, 32 Fl Oz
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Chicken Stock, 32 Fl Oz

Also try my low-carb gumbo.

Quick Fix Gumbo
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Gumbo

All the flavors of a full-blown gumbo, but in a lot less time.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword gumbo, quick fix
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 426kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add oil to a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add half each of the onion, celery, peppers and the bay leaves. Saute until just tender.
  • Add the remaining onion, celery and peppers and saute another 3 minutes.
  • Add all of the seasonings, the sausage, stock and chicken.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Stir in the roux in small amounts. Make sure it dissolves completely. Taste to see if you need to add more roux.
  • Cover and simmer another 30 minutes.
  • Add cooked rice and warm thoroughly.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 595IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges using the Vortex

There are two things that make these garlic Parmesan potato wedges absolutely fantastic: Kosmos Q garlic Parmesan wing dust and a Vortex BBQ loaded with hot charcoal. The wing dust packs tremendous garlicky cheesy flavor. Yes, I use it on wings. A lot. And also potato wedges. And homemade potato chips. It’s great stuff. The Vortex gets crazy hot, giving these potatoes a lightly crunchy exterior and a creamy soft interior.

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges using the Vortex

Adding baking powder to the potatoes before putting them on the grill adds a bit of extra crunch to them. You can skip it if you like, these garlic Parmesan potato wedges using the Vortex are tremendous either way. You can also make them a bit spicier if you prefer, like my Kickin’ Cajun potato wedges.

With a 22″ grill you’ll be able to fit a decent amount of potatoes around a Vortex. You’ll have just enough space leftover for a few pieces of chicken, too. It’ll be tight. I’ve found that the limited space is an excellent excuse for getting another grill!

Kosmos Q makes a lot of other great flavored wing dusts that are great on potato wedges too. Try them all! I did!

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

My Vortex St. Louis-style ribs go great with these potato wedges!

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges using the Vortex

Adding baking powder to the potatoes before putting them on the grill adds a bit of extra crunch to them.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic Parmesan, potatoes, Vortex
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 344kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill your Vortex BBQ with charcoal and light it up while preparing the potatoes.
  • Slice potatoes in half lengthwise, then half again lengthwise, and finally one more time lengthwise (i.e. you're cutting them into 1/8ths). You don't want them super thin, so for smaller potatoes you might only have to cut them 1/4ths. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Drizzle the potatoes with the oil and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle the potatoes with the seasoning and baking powder and toss to coat. I've found that stirring them with your hands works best.
  • Once the charcoal is just ashed over place the potato wedges in a circle around the edges of your grill. Don't let the potatoes touch. It's ok if you need to put them in two or three rows. If some pieces are thicker than others try to locate those nearer the fire.
  • Place the cover on the grill with the top and bottom vents wide open.
  • Cook for 20-30 minutes, rotating the lid 90 degrees every 5 or so minutes. Start checking the potatoes after 15 minutes. Sometimes one side off the grill needs more heat as the wedges there aren't cooking quite as quickly as others. Just rotate the lid so the vent is near that side and let cook a bit longer.
  • Remove and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 204mg | Potassium: 1779mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 117mg | 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

Pioneer Take Out Chicken using the Vortex

Up until now, I’ve used lighter, thinner coatings when making ‘fried’ chicken using my Vortex insert on my Weber Performer grill. Even the pre-made mixes I’ve used create that perfect thin coating. This time I thought I’d delve into the world of thicker coatings and see how the Vortex would hold up. And boy, did it ever deliver! As always the thicken turned out so moist and tender. And then, again, there’s that perfectly crispy skin and coating. Cooked perfectly, all the way through no matter how thick the batter. This Pioneer Takeout chicken using the Vortex was fantastic!

Pioneer Take Out Chicken using the Vortex

Pioneer Take Out in a chicken restaurant chain that started in California. Although never as big as Kentucky Fried Chicken, if this version of their chicken, grilled instead of deep-fried, is any indication of how good their food is, they should be everywhere! Pioneer Take Out chicken using the Vortex is fantastic!

Also try Granny’s fried chicken, also made using a 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
Pioneer Take Out Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pioneer Take Out Chicken using the Vortex

This time I thought I’d delve into the world of thicker coatings and see how the Vortex would hold up. And boy, did it ever deliver! As always the thicken turned out so moist and tender. And then, again, there’s that perfectly crispy skin and coating. Cooked perfectly, all the way through no matter how thick the batter. This Pioneer Takeout chicken was fantastic!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 165kcal
Author Inspired Dinner Then Dessert

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wet batter

For the dry batter

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex insert. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Combine all of the wet batter ingredients and place in a shallow pan. Place the dry batter into another shallow pan.
  • Dip the chicken pieces in the dry batter and roll to coat. Transfer to the wet ingredients and roll to coat well. Remove to a cooling rack to drain.
  • 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.
  • Lightly brush with oil and cook another 5 minutes. This will help get the skin even crisper.
  • Let cool slightly and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1789mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 45mg | 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

Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex

One of the things I really love to cook with my Vortex is to take written-for-a-deep-fryer chicken recipes and adapt them for my charcoal grill. Just about any thing you can do in a vat of hot oil can be made better using a Vortex. And with almost no oil at all. I do use a bit of oil at the very end of the cook, just to help crunch up the skin. It’s optional, but oh does it make that skin superb! This sweet tea fried chicken using the Vortex was a total twist for me, and I thought it was incredible. The tea adds a bit of sweetness, a bit of a herby hint, to the chicken. This is my first time marinating chicken in tea, sweet or not, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex

I used Luziannne tea bags (our favorite tea for iced tea) when I made sweet tea fried chicken using the Vortex. It might be interesting to try other teas, maybe infused some different flavors. Or just do as I did and use what you know and love and get some incredible tasting chicken.

Also try my Amish 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
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex

This is my first time marinating chicken in tea, and it definitely won't be my last.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 1 day 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 909kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring the water to boil in a small pot over high heat.
  • Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
  • Add the teabags and remove from the heat. Let the bags steep for 5 minutes then remove.
  • Let the tea cool completely.
  • Place chicken into a large sealable container. Add the tea. Make sure all the pieces are submerged, adding a bit more water if needed.
  • Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning at least once to make sure that all sides of the chicken get marinated.
  • Fire up your charcoal grill fitted with a Vortex full of charcoal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
  • In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flour, garlic salt, lemon pepper seasoning, poultry seasoning, paprika, pepper and salt.
  • Remove the chicken from the tea, shaking off any excess. Working in batches, transfer the chicken to the buttermilk mixture and coat well.
  • Remove and shake off any excess, then coat in the flour mixture. Place on a wire rack while you finish dredging all of the pieces.
  • Transfer chicken to the grill around the Vortex (assuming the coals are ashed over and are good and hot). Cover and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F as measured in several places. Turn the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes so the chicken cooks evenly.
  • Lightly brush the tops of the chicken with some oil and let cook another 3-4 minutes to get the skin good and crunchy.
  • Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 909kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 321mg | Sodium: 1882mg | Potassium: 666mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 126mg | 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

Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex

A Vortex BBQ insert and a charcoal grill is 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

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.

Also try my Vortex honey fried chicken and my yummy sweet tea 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
Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
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 belt. 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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
Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
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

Equipment

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.

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.

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

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
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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