Category: Recipes

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 charcoal 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 chicken 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

Mighty Good Easy Chicken

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!

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 Granny’s fried chicken, also made using a Vortex!

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 approximately 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.

Notes

You can use your favorite cuts of chicken.

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

Different. And Definitely Delicious.

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.

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 Amish fried chicken made using the Vortex.

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.

Notes

You can use your favorite chicken cuts, but I’ve found that bone-in, skin-on thighs always produce the best results.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 charcoal 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

Store-Bought Simplicity

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.

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 Cajun-brined fried chicken using the Vortex.

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, especially 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

You Can’t Go Wrong With Chicken Thighs

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.

Notes

Skin-on chicken cuts produce the best results, but you can use skinless if you want!

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. This chicken has the perfect orange-flavored sauce with plenty of fried chicken crunch!

Orange Chicken using the Vortex

Perfect Orange Chicken

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. Or drizzle the chicken with more sauce after you plate it. The sauce is great, and also makes for a fantastic wing sauce!

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

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.

Notes

You can use your favorite chicken cuts.

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

Easy. Crazy Easy. And Delicious.

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.

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

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

Fantastically Crunchy, Fantastically Juicy

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.

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

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

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small saucepan 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.

Notes

I love this recipe using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs but you can substitute your favorite cuts.

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

Air Fryer Wings

Well, I admit it. I had no idea how good wings made in an air fryer could be. I figured, meh, Air Fryer wings… But, like my convection oven wings, they came out moist, tender, and with great crunchy skin! These wings make for the perfect quick lunch, which is why they’ve quickly become a standard dish around our house. I didn’t need any help with my wing addiction, these just made it worse!

Air Fryer Wings

No Sugar, No Burn

I recommend that you use a rub or seasoning that doesn’t contain sugar when you make air fryer wings. Now, you can certainly add a sweet rub after the wings are cooked, but that seasoning will tend to burn if you have it on the wings while they cook. Just good old salt is fine. The salt won’t overpower the wings and will let you add any sauce or seasoning later without having to worry about the tastes conflicting with each other.

I use a pretty straight-forward air fryer, that doesn’t have a lot of bells (ok, it has a bell for when the timer goes off!) and whistles. It gets the job done.
DASH Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non-stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut Off Feature, 1700-Watt, 6 Quart - Aqua
DASH Deluxe Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker with Temperature Control, Non-stick Fry Basket, Recipe Guide + Auto Shut Off Feature, 1700-Watt, 6 Quart – Aqua

Also try my crispy convection oven wings.

Air Fryer Wings
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Wings

Well, I admit it. I had no idea how good wings made in an air fryer could be. I figured, meh, air fryer wings… But, like my convection oven wings, they came out moist, tender, and with great crunchy skin!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer, wings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 320kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray. Preheat per manufacturer's recommendation.
  • Toss the wing flats and drumettes with the seasoning.
  • Add the wings to the basket (be careful it's hot!). If you have trouble fitting them without overlapping, stand the drumettes along the sides of the basket.
  • Cook at 360 F for 12 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the wings (rotate the drumettes if they are standing) and cook another 12 minutes again at 360 F.
  • Flip the wings one last time. Cook another 6 minutes at 400 F.
  • Remove and toss with your favorite wing sauce.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the seasoning or sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Protein: 26g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 225mg | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

MFTEK XL Air Fryer Accessories-Air Fryer Rack Set of 2, Multi-purpose Double Layer Rack with Skewer, Compatible with XL Power Airfryer Philips
MFTEK XL Air Fryer Accessories-Air Fryer Rack Set of 2, Multi-purpose Double Layer Rack with Skewer, Compatible with XL Power Airfryer Philips