Kickin’ Cajun Potato Wedges using the Vortex

It only took me one time making potato wedges using my Vortex BBQ on my Weber charcoal grill to turn me into a full-blown addict. I use my Vortex a lot, to say the least. Wings, fried chicken, mostly but now also for a fantastic side dish. These Kickin’ Cajun potato wedges using the Vortex bring a nice kick, crispy skin, and cream potato-y insides. Get the ketchup out, if you want, or eat them straight-up. You can’t go wrong with them, that’s for sure!

Kickin' Cajun Potato Wedges using the Vortex

The key to these Kickin’ Cajun potato wedges using the Vortex is the Kickin’ Cajun seasoning from Kosmos Q. Normally used as a wing dust, I’ve found that it’s much, much more than that. Like on these potatoes. It brings a bit of heat. Actually, quite a bit the more you use. So give it a (small) taste first to see how much kick you want.

Try and make sure you cut your potato wedges the same size as much as possible. You want them to cook evenly. And definitely don’t cut them too thin, like potato straws or French fries. Nice thick wedges are what you are after. If you end up with lil ole pieces at the edges of the potato, don’t use them for this.

Kickin' Cajun Potato Wedges using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Kickin’ Cajun Potato Wedges using the Vortex

These Kickin' Cajun potato wedges bring a nice kick, crispy skin, and cream potato-y insides. You'll eat them like popcorn.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword 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.

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

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
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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.

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!

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.

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.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex
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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.

Copycat Church’s Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

I could make (and eat) ‘fried’ chicken using my Vortex BBQ all day long. It has never let me down. It has never been anything but easy. This copycat of Church’s fried chicken using the Vortex was no exception. Incredibly crunchy skin. Unbelievably moist and flavorful meat. And as easy as coating it, grilling it, eating it. Done.

Copycat Church's Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

There are no tricks or special handshakes that you need to know to get fried chicken right using the Vortex. And although a lot of sites say to rotate the lid every 15 minutes while cooking, I’ve not found that it makes a difference. I don’t over-crowd my grill and I make sure I have a super-hot fire. If you’ve found that rotating the lid is a requirement, let me know but so far, I’ve not had anything but success just keeping the lid right where it is. I also do not flip my chicken while it is cooking. Doing so will result in ‘batter loss’, a bad thing. Just keep it right where it is.

Also try my insanely-awesome proper pub fried chicken, another fantastic recipe for deliciously crispy tasty chicken cooked using the Vortex. You can also use off-the-shelf fried chicken coating to make spectacular chicken on the Vortex. Check out my Kentucky Kernel chicken too!

Copycat Church's Fried Chicken Using the Vortex
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3.67 from 3 votes

Copycat Church’s Fried Chicken Using the Vortex

This copycat of Church’s fried chicken was no exception. Incredibly crunchy skin. Unbelievably moist and flavorful meat. And as easy as coating it, grilling it, eating it. Done.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 373kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces chicken I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

For the dry mixture

For the wet mixture

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup cold water

For a crispier coating

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Combine all of the dry mixture ingredients in a pie plate.
  • In another pie plate, whisk together the eggs and water.
  • Working in batches, dip the chicken into the wet mixture, then into the dry mixture.
  • One more time, dip the chicken into the wet mixture and then the dry mixture.
  • 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: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 2963mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 202IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex

Tom Kerridge is a Michelin-starred pub chef in England. Yes, pub chef. That’s why I knew that his recipe for proper pub fried chicken using the Vortex would be something special, something incredible. And, oh me, was it ever.

Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The seasonings give every single bite the most fantastic flavor. Tender, moist. And crunchy skin? Oh yes. You could deep fry it, but I cooked this chicken over charcoal using the Vortex and no oil. Yep, no oil (except for like a tablespoon to help crunch up the skin at the very end).

I have to admit something. I made a change to Chef Kerridge’s original recipe when I made this proper pub fried chicken using the Vortex. Please don’t hate me, but I added hot sauce to the buttermilk brine. I could not help myself. I ALWAYS add hot sauce to my buttermilk when using it for chicken. Not a whole lot, just a little bit to add a slight kick and offset the sourness. You don’t have to do it, and you don’t have to tell anyone if you do.

Also try my copycat of Church’s fried chicken, also made using the Vortex.

Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Proper Pub Fried Chicken using the Vortex

The seasonings give every single bite the most fantastic flavor. Tender, moist. And crunchy skin? Oh yes. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 259kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken into a large resealable container.
  • Add enough buttermilk to cover the chicken. Add hot sauce, if using.
  • Seal and shake gently to coat the chicken and combine the hot sauce. Refrigerate overnight.
  • Fire up your Vortex. Fill completely with coals. You’ll need at least a 22″ charcoal grill.
  • Combine all dry ingredients and pour into a pie pan or alternatively, place in a large resealable bag.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken from the buttermilk. Shake off excess and roll in the coating. Alternatively, add the chicken to the bag, seal and shake to coat.
  • Place chicken around the edges of your grill. Cover and cook 30-45 minutes or until the chicken has reached 160 F as measured in several locations.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with the oil and cook another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F as measured in several locations.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 2491mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2399IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chicken Fingers using the Vortex

I’m a huge fan of cooking chicken wings using the Vortex BBQ. I’m also a huge fan of ‘frying’ chicken using the Vortex BBQ. And now, I’m a huge fan of making chicken fingers using the Vortex BBQ. Just as easy as wings or fried chicken, these fingers came out tender and super tasty. They have a very nice coating that is light on crunch but heavy on flavor. And nothing could be easier to make, either!

Chicken Fingers using the Vortex

Chicken fingers on the Vortex BBQ cook a whole lot quicker than do wings or chicken thighs. Don’t throw them on and ignore them. Don’t walk away. They’ll be done in no time.

As I mention in the recipe note, I put foil on my grill grates before I added the chicken. I’m not 100% sure if that’s required, but the chicken didn’t stick, so I’ll just keeping do it!

If you’re looking for a great side dish for your chicken fingers, make a batch of seasoned skinny fries, also made using a Vortex. For dipping sauces, try my copycat of Chick-fil-A’s dipping sauce, firecracker dipping sauce or my chili dipping sauce.

Also try making pizza rolls on the Vortex. They’ll disappear like that!

Chicken Fingers using the Vortex
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5 from 1 vote

Chicken Fingers using the Vortex

Just as easy as wings or fried chicken, these fingers came out tender and super tasty. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken fingers, Vortex
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 610kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your charcoal grill with the Vortex BBQ insert. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Combine the flour, salt and pepper in a pie plate.
  • Pour the buttermilk into another pie plate. Whisk in the hot sauce if using.
  • Working in batches, dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, and then once again in the flour.
  • Transfer to your grill and cook for 15-20 minutes or until done. Lightly brush the chicken with the oil the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

I covered my grill grates in foil and brushed on a light coating of oil because I thought the fingers might stick. I haven’t tried to make them yet without foil. You might want to foil yours also, or at least oil them before adding the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 909mg | Potassium: 1019mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.