Sticky BBQ Chickpeas

If BBQ pulled pork and crispy roasted chickpeas had a plant-based baby, this would be it. Sticky, sweet, and smoky, these BBQ chickpeas are our go-to when we want big flavor with zero effort. Bonus: they come together in under 30 minutes!

Pair these chickpeas with our BBQ side dish favs, like Chickpea Corn Salad, Tomato Burrata Salad, and BBQ Tofu!

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If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof, and wildly versatile recipe, these chickpeas with BBQ sauce are it, folks. With just a can of chickpeas, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a few pantry spices, you’ll be well on your way to your new favorite vegan barbecue filling!

Big Chickpea Energy

• Weeknight-Friendly: Less than 10 ingredients and 30 minutes stand between you and this saucy BBQ dream (hello, meatless Monday!).
• Crispy Meets Saucy: Roasting the chickpeas first gives you crispy edges that hold up to the sticky barbecue sauce ridiculously well.
• Endless Serving Options: Use them as a vegan sandwich filling, pile them onto bowls, or eat them straight from the pan…you can’t go wrong!

Here’s What You’ll Need

We kept this ingredient list short and sweet; just a few pantry staples you probably already have on hand! Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Chickpeas: We tested this recipe with both home-cooked and canned chickpeas, and canned came out on top for convenience.
• Seasonings: No BBQ is complete without a dry rub! To add the perfect smoky kick, we’ll use chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand! We love a sweet and smoky style, but spicy BBQ works too if you want more heat.

Pat ‘Em Dry

Make sure to pat your chickpeas dry before roasting (moisture kills their crispiness!). Give them a quick towel dry after draining to help them get nice and golden and crunchy in the oven before tossing them with sauce.

Let’s Make Roasted BBQ Chickpeas

This recipe is as easy as it gets! Just roast, sauce, and serve. This is an overview of the recipe. Jump to the recipe card for the full printable recipe.

1. Drain and pat dry the chickpeas.
2. Toss with oil and seasonings.
3. Bake until golden and crispy.
4. Simmer with BBQ sauce until thick and sticky.

Max Crunch: Whatever you do, don’t overcrowd the pan! Spread the chickpeas out so they roast, not steam.

Serving: We love piling them into a sandwich, stuffing them in a wrap with slaw, tossing them over a grain bowl, or eating them by the spoonful straight from the pan.

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Sticky Roasted BBQ Chickpeas

5 from 4 ratings

By: Sarah Bond

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Sticky, sweet, and smoky, these BBQ chickpeas big on flavor with virtually no effort. Bonus: they come together in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained, 425 g can
• ▢ 1 Tbsp oil, 15 mL
• ▢ ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper
• ▢ ½ cup barbecue sauce

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Instructions 

• Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Drain and pat dry 1 15-oz can chickpeas.
  
• Stir: Stir together the dried chickpeas with 1 Tbsp oil and ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper.
  
• Bake: Spread chickpeas onto an unlined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  
• Sauce: Transfer cooked chickpeas to a saute pan. Stir in ½ cup barbecue sauce and gently heat over medium until hot and thick. Serve warm on sandwiches, over grain bowls, or by itself!
  

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Then, you can easily reheat them in a pan or oven to crisp them up again.

Should I peel the chickpeas? You can for extra crispiness, but it’s definitely not necessary for this recipe.

Can I air fry them instead? Yes! Air fry the chickpeas at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Just don’t overcrowd the basket—they need room to crisp up.

Can I meal prep these? Yup! Roast the chickpeas and store them separately from the BBQ sauce. Toss and heat together just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!