My Go-To Smoked Fried Chicken - From a BBQ Enthusiast
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CJ — BBQ Enthusiast & YouTube Creator
"Welcome to Cooking with CJ! My mission is to inspire people to get in the kitchen or out on the grill and enjoy the joy of a home-cooked meal. Cooking is my therapy, and I want to share that passion with others. I create authentic BBQ content, share real product reviews, and connect with my 183K subscribers on YouTube every week. Nothing makes me happier than seeing people succeed and enjoy great food."
CJ is not just a grill master; he’s a storyteller who shares his BBQ journey with his audience, teaching techniques that turn every cook into a memorable experience. His latest favorite? A mouthwatering smoked fried chicken that combines smoky depth with crispy perfection.
CJ’s Smoked Fried Chicken Process
CJ begins with preparation:
“We’re doing smoked fried chicken today — the best of both worlds. First, we season chicken quarters with my favorite blend, then let the seasoning soak in. I even get some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor.”
Next comes smoking:
“I smoke the chicken at 300°, aiming for an internal temp of about 165°. I use the Temp Spike Pro (TP980) to monitor the process — it takes all the guesswork out of cooking and ensures everything comes out perfect.”
After smoking, the chicken rests before dredging:
“I coat the chicken in seasoned flour, shake off the excess, and let it rest so the coating sticks. Since the chicken is already cooked, the frying step is quick — just enough to get that golden crust.”
Frying is the final touch:
“I heat oil to about 375–380°, fry the chicken briefly, and flip it for even crispiness. A little salt at the end is the perfect finishing touch.”
The taste test says it all:
“It’s smoky, crispy, and full of flavor. This is the way to do chicken from now on — smoke it, fry it, and enjoy every bite.”
CJ’s TempPro Testimonial
CJ trusts TempPro products to deliver precise results every time:
“The Temp Spike Plus (TP970) is my secret weapon in my BBQ arsenal. Being able to track my cooks from my phone from inside my house is my favorite feature. The temps are accurate, and my cooks turn out perfect. I recommend the Temp Spike Plus to all of my followers.”
“When I have a bunch of proteins to cook on my smokers and grills, I turn to my Temp Spike Pro (TP980)! Having the option of getting four probes makes my job so much easier. The probes are thin and fit great in any of my proteins. And that great Temp Spike app takes all the guesswork out of my cooks.”
“When it comes to instant read thermometers, there isn’t one I recommend more than the Lightning Instant Read Thermometer! I use it on pretty much all of my cooks. Getting accurate temps is crucial to me, and with the Lightning, I never have to worry about getting anything wrong.”









