Best Crack Sticks Recipe: Irresistibly Crunchy & Addictive

Crispy, golden crack sticks have become my latest kitchen obsession that everyone keeps asking about.

Friends constantly request this addictive snack whenever we gather.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical in mere minutes.

Crunchy textures and unexpected flavors make these treats irresistible for any occasion.

No complicated techniques or professional skills required – just basic kitchen tools and a sense of fun.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise that keeps people coming back for more.

You cannot stop at just one of these delectable morsels, so consider making a double batch.

Everything You’ll Need For Crack Sticks

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean meat strips that serve as the main protein base for this crispy dish.
• Bacon Slices: Adds a smoky, salty flavor and helps create a delicious wrapped exterior for the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the coating.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory taste of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the seasoning.
• Salt: Helps to intensify and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Eggs, Buttermilk: Create a smooth, sticky binding mixture that helps the seasoned flour coating stick to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for deep-frying and achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Toothpicks: Used to secure the bacon around the chicken tenders during cooking.

Quick Steps To Make Crack Sticks At Home

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken tenders completely dry using paper towels to remove all moisture. This crucial step ensures a super crispy coating that will make your tenders irresistible.

Step 2: Wrap With Bacon

Take bacon slices and carefully wrap each chicken tender. Secure the bacon using toothpicks to prevent unwrapping during cooking. Make sure the bacon is snug against the chicken.

Step 3: Create Seasoning Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Whisk ingredients thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly and create a uniform coating mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together until completely blended. This mixture will help the dry seasoning stick to the chicken.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Dip each bacon-wrapped tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Then roll in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat to 350°F, using a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature for perfect frying.

Step 7: Fry the Tenders

Carefully place coated chicken tenders into hot oil. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent oil temperature.

Step 8: Cook to Perfection

Fry each tender for 4-5 minutes per side. Rotate to achieve a beautiful golden brown exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 9: Drain and Rest

Remove tenders from oil using tongs. Place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and preserve crispiness.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let tenders rest for 3-4 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick.

Smart Shortcuts For Better Crack Sticks

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat tenders thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, guaranteeing an extra crispy coating that's irresistibly crunchy.
• Control Bacon Wrap: Use toothpicks strategically to secure bacon slices, preventing them from unraveling during the cooking process and maintaining a neat presentation.
• Master Temperature Precision: Monitor oil heat closely with a cooking thermometer, keeping it steady at 350°F to ensure consistent golden-brown exterior and even cooking.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook chicken tenders in small batches to maintain oil temperature, preventing soggy results and achieving maximum crispiness for each piece.
• Rest and Drain Smart: Place fried tenders on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, allowing them to stay crisp and preventing greasy texture.

Fun Ways To Jazz Up Crack Sticks

• Keto-Friendly Bacon Chicken Tenders: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb coating. Omit ranch seasoning and use herbs like thyme and rosemary for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Bacon Chicken Version: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or coconut flour. Use gluten-free ranch seasoning mix to maintain recipe integrity.
• Spicy Ranch Bacon Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to flour mixture. Include hot sauce in egg wash for extra kick. Incorporate chili powder for increased heat.
• Air Fryer Healthier Option: Skip deep frying and cook tenders in air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Spray tenders lightly with cooking spray to ensure crispy exterior.

Tasty Snacks To Serve With Crack Sticks

• Savor Crispy Bacon Ranch Chicken Tenders with Perfect Pairings
• Pair with Refreshing Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the rich, crispy chicken tenders with its cool crunch and zesty flavor profile.
• Match with Craft Beer Selection: Hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale cuts through the bacon's saltiness and complements the ranch seasoning's robust taste.
• Enhance with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Blend ranch dressing with sriracha or honey mustard to create a dynamic sauce that amplifies the chicken's herbal and smoky notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Garlic-roasted brussels sprouts or herb-seasoned asparagus provide a light, nutritious counterpoint to the hearty chicken tenders.

How To Keep Crack Sticks Fresh And Crunchy

• Store leftover bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.

Crack Sticks — Your Top Questions Answered

• Why use buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy flavor while ensuring a thick, crispy coating that sticks perfectly to the meat.

• Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying provides the best crispy texture, you can bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, but the coating won’t be as crisp as deep-frying.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

• What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder to create a similar flavor profile for the coating.

What Makes Crack Sticks So Hard To Resist

• Crispy Bacon Hug: Bacon wraps each chicken tender, creating a mouthwatering exterior that adds incredible flavor and crunch to every bite.
• Flavor-Packed Coating: Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and spices transform ordinary chicken into a zesty, seasoned masterpiece that tingles taste buds with excitement.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or casual get-togethers where people crave something deliciously indulgent and satisfying.
• Easy Restaurant-Style Cooking: Home cooks can achieve professional-level fried chicken with simple ingredients and straightforward technique, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.

Crack Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy Korean crack sticks deliver an irresistible blend of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that dance across taste buds. Crunchy exterior and addictive seasonings make these snacks impossible to resist for anyone craving bold Korean street food excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken tenders
• 1/2 lb bacon

Coating and Seasoning:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
2. Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon, securing the bacon with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, whisking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together until well blended, creating a smooth binding mixture.
5. Dip each bacon-wrapped chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer for consistent frying.
7. Carefully place coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
8. Fry each tender for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to ensure golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Remove tenders from oil using tongs, placing on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
10. Allow tenders to rest for 3-4 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving hot with optional dipping sauce.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken tenders completely dry to achieve an ultra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and crunch.
• Bacon Binding: Secure bacon with toothpicks tightly to prevent unraveling during frying, ensuring each bite has perfect bacon coverage.
• Temperature Control: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, preventing soggy or overly greasy chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg