The Best Vortex Fried Chicken Recipes

I absolutely love making fried chicken on my charcoal grill using the Vortex insert. With no or little oil, I can make chicken that seems like it was deep-fried. The flavors are amazing. The crunchy skin is amazing. Fried chicken on the Vortex is even better than deep-fried!

1
Kentucky Kernel 'Fried' Chicken using the Vortex
Kentucky Kernel ‘Fried’ Chicken using the Vortex
Perfectly juicy, crunchy skin, crazy good fried chicken flavor without all of the oil.
Check out this recipe
2
Alabama White Sauce Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
3
Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
4
Bloody Mary Buffalo Chicken using the Vortex
Bloody Mary Buffalo Chicken using the Vortex
The fried chicken mix recipe can be used for any chicken, it doesn’t have to be Bloody Mary flavored. The coating adheres perfectly and gives you that perfect crispy crust. For me, my go-to chicken on the Vortex is bone-in, skin-on thighs. They are the juiciest and have the most flavor.
Check out this recipe
5
Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
6
Amish Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
7
Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex
Cajun Injected Chicken using the Vortex
I cook a lot, and I do mean a lot, of chicken using my Vortex. Wings and thighs are my favorite and I’ve cooked them countless delicious ways. But I’d never injected my chicken until now. 
Check out this recipe
8
Chicken Fingers using the Vortex
Chicken Fingers using the Vortex
Just as easy as wings or fried chicken, these fingers came out tender and super tasty. 
Check out this recipe
9
Dip-Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Dip-Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This dip-fried chicken is unbelievably moist, tender, and delicious. I’ve said it a thousand times: nothing beats ‘fried’ chicken made using the Vortex. Nothing.
Check out this recipe
10
Easy Cajun Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
11
Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Easy Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Absolutely delicious, crunchy, moist fried chicken with about as little fuss and mess as possible. And no oil.
Check out this recipe
12
Fried Chicken with Gravy using the Vortex
Fried Chicken with Gravy using the Vortex
This right here is amazingly great chicken, and all without deep-frying.
Check out this recipe
13
Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
14
Hidden Valley Ranch Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
15
Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex
 This time, for a change, I drizzled the fried chicken with a bit of honey. Honey fried chicken using the Vortex was crazy good.
Check out this recipe
16
Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex
Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex
Whenever I cook chicken on my Vortex I always give it a quick, light brushing of oil just at the end.
Check out this recipe
17
Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
18
Korean Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
19
Louisiana Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Louisiana Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This is seriously crispy chicken. Seasoned perfectly. Moist and tender meat. Make extra because you’ll need it. And don’t expect any leftovers either.
Check out this recipe
20
Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex
Nashville Hot Chicken using the Vortex
Wow, oh wow, was this ever absolutely great chicken. Lightly crunchy, and a little spicy, it was a dish to remember.
Check out this recipe
21
Orange Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
22
Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex
The seasonings give every single bite the most fantastic flavor. Tender, moist. And crunchy skin? Oh yes. 
Check out this recipe
23
Southern Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Southern Fried Chicken using the Vortex
I use this southern fried chicken recipe the most, sometimes adding a sauce at the end, but often not,. It’s got that perfect crunch, whether you use skin-on or skinless chicken.
Check out this recipe
24
Spicy BBQ Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Spicy BBQ Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This spicy BBQ fried chicken using the Vortex is my go-to recipe. I can then add whatever I want at the end. This time I added a spicy BBQ sauce and a drizzle of Ranch dressing. There were no leftovers.
Check out this recipe
25
Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This. Right. Here. Absolutely divine ‘fried’ chicken, hot off my charcoal grill. Yes, grill.
Check out this recipe
26
Spicy Honey Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe
27
Spicy Hot Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Spicy Hot Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This version brings a bit of heat. Just the right amount. And oh, so tender, juicy meat.
Check out this recipe
28
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken using the Vortex
This is my first time marinating chicken in tea, and it definitely won't be my last.
Check out this recipe
29
Sylvia's Crispy Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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.
Check out this recipe

Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex

To say I’m a huge fan of ‘fried’ chicken using a Vortex BBQ insert would be the understatement of the decade. I have several Vortexes (Vortices?), using them for everything from wings to potato wedges to this hot stuff chicken. This hot stuff chicken using the Vortex is easily some of the most flavor-packed, crunchy skin, moist chicken I’ve ever had. You just cannot beat the Vortex and chicken (and other things!). You’ll be amazed that this dish was cooked on a grill using charcoal and not done in a deep-fryer.

Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex

Nice ‘N Crispy

Whenever I cook this hot stuff chicken using the Vortex I always give it a quick, light brushing of oil just at the end. This helps crisp up the skin. Some folks also recommend using spray duck fat or oil. Or butter. Whichever you use, it’s a good thing to do since it really makes great chicken into superb fried-like chicken. I brushed it on about 5 minutes before my hot stuff chicken was completely done and let it finish cooking. That’s all!

PS: If you have duck fat spray, I highly recommend using it any time you make chicken on the Vortex. It’s a real game changer.

Also try my Vortex Alabama white sauce fried chicken.

Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Hot Stuff Chicken using the Vortex

Whenever I cook chicken on my Vortex I always give it a quick, light brushing of oil just at the end.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, spicy, Vortex
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 365kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the marinade

Instructions

  • Place chicken into a large resealable container or bag.
  • Combine all of the marinade ingredients and add to the chicken. Seal and marinate at room temperature for one hour.
  • While the chicken in marinating (about 15 minutes) fill your Vortex with charcoal and light.
  • Place flour in a bowl or bag.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Transfer to flour and coat well. If using a bag just add, seal, and toss to coat. In a bowl turn the pieces in the flour to coat. Shake off any excess.
  • Place chicken pieces around your grill with the bottom and top vents wide open. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches 160 F. Turn the lid 90 degrees every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • Lightly brush the tops of the chicken with oil. Cover and cook another 5 minutes. The chicken should be at least 165 F.
  • Remove and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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.

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.

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.