First Vortex roasted chicken

[DuaneMac]

I finally used the vertical roaster stand that I bought a couple months ago! First off let me say that I’m a big rotisserie guy but I think the skin was much crispier using this method.
I went with a lemon-herb flavor. Made a compound butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic and lemon zest. Just eyeballed the amounts. Put the mixture under the breast skin and whatever was left got rubbed on the rest of the bird. A couple lemon slices went into the cavity as well.That was it other than the normal S&P seasoning.
Used a full large chimney, kettle ran a steady 325. The bird was about 4.75 lbs., I took it off after 75 minutes and it was perfect. Dry crispy skin and juicy!
Served with TJ’s mushroom risotto, tomatoes and basil with EVOO and a little vinegar.
Here’re some pics.

 

[Cee El]

This all looks amazing!

 

[Joe Anshien]

I like the reverse Vortex method you did. Very nice.

 

[Jeff Boudman]

Great looking bird!

 

[DuaneMac]

This all looks amazing!

I like the reverse Vortex method you did. Very nice.

Great looking bird!

Thanks! Prior to this I've only used the vortex the traditional way for high heat wings/thighs.

 

[Rich Dahl]

Great looking bird Duane. Got to give that a try.

 

[DuaneMac]

Thanks Rich. It was definitely a "set it and forget it" type cook. Weber kettles really are amazing cookers and the Vortex makes them even better.

 

[GrantT]

Going to have to give that a try....looks amazing. Made myself a home made vortex so have the equipment now...

Home Made Vortex

Cut the bottom out of a stainless steel bowl to make myself a vortex, but it was still too large for my liking, so I cut it up some more and popped in a few rivets to shrink the diameter...made wings a few times and they came extra crispy. Very pleased. Going to try the chicken that...

tvwbb.com

 

[Richard in NS]

My daughter gave me one of those stands for Christmas and I never tried it. I need to now! Looks Yummy Duane.

 

[ChuckO]

I did that cook but I didn't get those results. Nicely done!

 

[DuaneMac]

I did that cook but I didn't get those results. Nicely done!

I did splurge and buy a Bell and Evans brand air chilled chicken. More expensive but they are good, plus I had it in the fridge uncovered overnight to dry the skin. Next time I’ll use a Perdue, Tyson or similar and see how much difference there is.