Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Dinner Crunch

This dish features tender chickpeas cooked with smoky paprika and BBQ sauce, perfectly paired with toasted whole grain bread. The chickpeas can be simmered or baked for a rich, tangy flavor. Garnishes like fresh herbs, avocado, and lime add brightness. Ready in 25 minutes, it's a protein-packed, vegan-friendly option ideal for a simple lunch or light dinner. Adjust heat with chili flakes and serve with a fresh salad for balance.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:20:00 GMT
Golden, crispy toast topped with saucy, smoky BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. Save
Golden, crispy toast topped with saucy, smoky BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. | kookycrunch.com

A smoky, tangy, and protein-packed vegan dish featuring tender BBQ chickpeas piled onto crisp, golden toast, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

The first time I made BBQ chickpeas on toast, I was amazed by how satisfying and flavorful this simple meal can be. It quickly became my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet healthy.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans, drained and rinsed
  • BBQ sauce: 1 cup, vegan, store-bought or homemade
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Salt: To taste
  • Bread slices: 4 to 8 whole grain or sourdough
  • Vegan butter or olive oil: For toasting
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): Chopped
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional):
  • Sliced avocado (optional):
  • Lime wedges (optional):

Instructions

Prep oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add chickpeas & spices:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Skillet version:
Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
Baked version:
Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.
Toast bread:
Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble & garnish:
Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
A close-up of BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh herbs, a delicious, vegan meal. Save
A close-up of BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh herbs, a delicious, vegan meal. | kookycrunch.com

My family loves this meal for its smoky flavor and fun, customizable toppings. It is always a hit whether served at lunch or dinner, and even picky eaters ask for seconds!

Required Tools

Large skillet or frying pan, baking sheet (if baking), toaster or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat if using regular bread, and may contain soy if BBQ sauce includes it. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 340 calories, 7 g total fat, 55 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.

Savory BBQ chickpeas on toasted bread, piled high for a satisfying, plant-based dinner recipe. Save
Savory BBQ chickpeas on toasted bread, piled high for a satisfying, plant-based dinner recipe. | kookycrunch.com

Enjoy these BBQ chickpeas on toast while they are hot and fresh. They deliver fantastic flavor in every bite!

Recipe FAQ

Can the chickpeas be baked instead of cooked on the stove?

Yes, baking the BBQ-coated chickpeas at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes caramelizes them slightly, adding texture and depth.

What type of bread works best for toasting?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted with olive oil or vegan butter provides a crisp, flavorful base for the chickpeas.

How can I add extra heat to this dish?

Incorporate chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce when cooking the chickpeas for a spicier kick.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Using gluten-free bread instead of wheat-based varieties makes this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What garnishes complement the BBQ chickpeas best?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, sliced red onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime enhance both flavor and presentation.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas layered on crisp whole grain toast for a quick, flavorful vegan lunch or dinner.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 Salt, to taste

Toast

01 4 to 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
02 Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
02 Thinly sliced red onion
03 Sliced avocado
04 Lime wedges

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare skillet base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Phase 02

Add chickpeas and spices: Add drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Toss to evenly coat ingredients, then stir in BBQ sauce until combined.

Phase 03

Cook chickpeas: Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Phase 04

Alternative baking method: Alternatively, spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Phase 05

Toast bread: Toast the bread slices using a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden brown.

Phase 06

Assemble dish: Pile the prepared BBQ chickpeas generously onto each slice of toast. Optionally, top with chopped fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Baking sheet (for baked option)
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains wheat (bread), and possibly soy (BBQ sauce); verify ingredient labels to avoid allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g