Spicy roasted chickpeas are an easy, healthy snack when you're looking for something with a delicious crunch. They're made with just a few simple ingredients in barely any time at all. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a scrumptious treat ready to pop right into your mouth!
About the Recipe
Spicy roasted chickpeas are an excellent crispy, crunchy, salty snack. They're perfect for grabbing by the handful and shoveling them into your mouth or in place of traditional croutons on a salad. They add a wonderful punch of flavor and texture.
This recipe is made in just over 30 minutes with a few pantry ingredients and only 3 steps. It's a quick and easy way to eat healthy when you're craving something snackable.
The absolute best part: the spices I use here are just a start. With the basic outline on how to roast chickpeas, including the process, oven temperature, and cook time, you can feel free to experiment with flavors however you choose.
If you like sweet snacks, season the chickpeas with brown sugar and cinnamon. And for a slightly less spicy, yet still savory idea, season with a simple combination of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
It's entirely up to you and your tastebuds!
Ingredients
A note about each component of this dish
- Chickpeas: chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are the main component of this recipe. They are filled with healthy fiber and protein, making them a healthier snack than chips. When they roast up in the oven, they become perfectly golden, crispy, and flavorful!
- Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes: each of these seasonings lends smokey, spicy, subtly salty flavor to the chickpeas. Depending on your preferences, you can tone any of these spices up or down.
- Extra virgin olive oil: olive oil aides in the roasting of the chickpeas. It helps them cook through and turn crispy.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Lay chickpeas out on a paper towel and pat them dry. Combine spices in a bowl. Add chickpeas to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until chickpeas are coated with spices. Place in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, until crispy, stirring once; drizzle with additional olive oil if chickpeas look dry. Remove from the oven, set aside and allow to cool.
- Place roasted chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with tahini dressing. Top with chopped herbs (if using).
Substitutions and Alternatives
You can make these roasted chickpeas sweet or savory, using any mixture of spices: For example, a Mexican spice mixture would include chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. For an Indian spice mixture, include coriander, cardamom, turmeric, and cumin. And for Italian, use basil, oregano, and thyme.
If you don't have olive oil: you can use any oil, such as avocado oil. Just be sure to choose one with a mild flavor.
Fun Facts
If your chickpeas aren't crunchy, it could be due to a few different issues. Always make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before roasting. Then, make sure to roast them for the full time listed in the instructions. If they're still soft when that time is up, you may need to leave them in a bit longer. Additionally, only use a moderate amount of oil. Do not drown the chickpeas, or else they'll get soggy.
If the chickpeas are fully roasted, dry, and crispy, they do not need to be placed in the refrigerator. Instead, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container on your counter or in your pantry.
For this recipe, you do not need to boil the chickpeas before roasting, since canned chickpeas are already cooked. However, if using dried chickpeas, you do not need to boil them, but you will need to let them soak overnight. Then, dry them with a towel before roasting.
Chef’s Tip
This recipe is great on a salad. Instead of using traditional croutons, top your salad with these spicy roasted chickpeas. They truly take your salad to the next level, while providing additional flavor and protein. This kale and crispy chickpea caesar salad is a fantastic option!
More Delicious Recipes
- Kale and Crispy Chickpea Caesar Salad
- 10 Ways to Use Up a Can of Beans
- Cheesy Zucchini Bread
- Simple Healthy Snack Ideas
- Stovetop Popcorn
Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Spicy Roasted Chickpeas made with a delicious spice mixture dusted on crispy roasted chickpeas and drizzled with lemon tahini dressing.
- Prep Time: 5-10 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins
- Total Time: 35-45 mins
- Yield: Serves 6 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Roasted Chickpeas:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin or ground smoked cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Lemon Tahini Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
- Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Dash turmeric
- Dash cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Handful chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley and/or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Lay chickpeas out on a paper towel and pat them dry. Combine spices in a bowl. Add chickpeas to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until chickpeas are coated with spices. Place in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, until crispy, stirring once; drizzle with additional olive oil if chickpeas look dry. Remove from the oven, set aside and allow to cool.
- Place roasted chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with tahini dressing. Top with chopped herbs (if using).
Notes
Cooking Tips: Try half regular chili powder and half ancho chili powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 162mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: garbanzo beans, healthy, dressing, simple, easy, tasty, spicy, crispy
