Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted Chickpeas are a deceptively easy and flavorful snack. Simply season chickpeas with oil along with a few herbs and spices, then roast them in the oven. Packed with protein and fiber, these chickpeas are perfect on their own or as toppers to your favorite salads.

Oven-Roasted Chickpeas Recipe

There’s this neighborhood coffee shop where I go to work multiple times a week called Lazarus. They have an incredible ambience, great coffee, and, what I recently discovered, the most snack-worthy crispy chickpeas.

After gobbling up an entire bowl of these in what seemed like record time, I realized I needed to learn how to make them at home—and of course, a little bit healthier. (Theirs were definitely deep-fried in a bunch of oil!)

So enter… this simple roasted chickpeas recipe!

Not only is it super simple to make these, but you can also switch up the seasonings to keep it interesting. Then, either eat them for snack time or give your salads a crunchy topping.

They are also perfect as a healthy pick-me-up on long road trips—bring a bowl with you next time!

Whatever you do, make sure you read the tips on how to store roasted chickpeas at the end. If you do this incorrectly, you’ll end up with soggy chickpeas the day after instead of crispy morsels!

Ingredients

The basic ingredients you need to make this spicy roasted chickpeas recipe include:

• Chickpeas. You’ll need 2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained. Be sure to get plain chickpeas without added salt or seasonings.
• Oil. Opt for avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil.
• Spices. You can use just about any spices you have, but paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, and salt are recommended. The beauty of this recipe is that you can completely customize it.

How to Roast Chickpeas

Below, you’ll find the easy steps for making homemade crispy chickpeas:

Prep the Chickpeas

First, preheat the oven to 400℉.

Open both cans of chickpeas and empty them into a mesh strainer or colander.

Run cool water over them to rinse and remove any loose skins. Then, dry the chickpeas thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture prevents the oil and seasonings from sticking to the chickpeas.

Drizzle with Oil

Transfer the dried chickpeas to a large bowl. Pour the oil over them and toss to combine.

This step ensures the spices stick to the chickpeas.

Combine the Seasonings

First, choose your seasonings. You really can’t go wrong with any variety. Try a different blend every time you make it!

Whatever spices and herbs you choose, combine them in a small bowl. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them well.

Season and Bake

Sprinkle the spices over the chickpeas in the bowl. Gently toss to thoroughly coat.

Spread the chickpeas on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. About halfway through cooking, shake the pan so the chickpeas can cook evenly.

When the crispy roasted chickpeas are done, they should be a nice, golden brown. Watch as the chickpeas roast so they don’t burn in the high heat.

Before you serve, allow these toasted morsels to cool to room temperature.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: These oven-roasted chickpeas are super easy to make a few days before you need them.
• How to store: There are a few ways to keep these chickpeas. The best way for the crispiest chickpeas is to store them in a bowl at room temperature loosely covered. You can also use an airtight container or plastic bag that is left slightly open.
• How to freeze: Leftovers can be stored frozen in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container for up to 3-6 months

How to store roasted chickpeas?

The absolute best way to store crunchy roasted chickpeas is in a bowl at room temperature with a towel or foil loosely covering the top. This method ensures crispy and crunchy chickpeas for days. You can use a glass bowl with a lid or a plastic bag that is kept slightly cracked open.

Are roasted chickpeas healthy?

Chickpeas in general are incredibly healthy. They are an amazing source of fiber, plant-based protein, and other essential nutrients. When you season them with spices and roast them, you add flavor without increasing the calorie count.

What to do with roasted chickpeas?

There are so many things you can do with roasted chickpeas! Try tossing them in salads (like this Fall Harvest Salad and Chopped Kale Salad), pasta dishes (like this Pesto Pasta Salad or Greek Pasta Salad), or quinoa bowls. Of course, they are delicious as a stand-alone salty snack, as well. (So skip the potato chips!)

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Rinse well. Be sure to thoroughly clean the canned chickpeas for the best flavor. 
• Dry ’em off. Use a dish towel to ensure no moisture remains on the chickpeas.
• Oil first. Toss the chickpeas in oil before adding the seasoning.
• Get creative. The best thing about this recipe is you can choose just about any seasoning blend you have on hand or enjoy. Make them spicy with chili powder, or Mexican-style with taco seasoning. Go with your favorite spice blends to change it up.
• Room temp. These seasoned chickpeas are best stored in a bowl on the counter.

More Chickpeas Recipes

Chickpeas are deceptively flavorful yet super easy to cook with. Try one of these recipes next, especially if you’re on a vegetarian diet.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Chana Masala, and Chickpea Curry bring international flavors to your home.

For a popular dip, whip up some Homemade Hummus or Roasted Beet Hummus.

Try this Gluten-free Falafel for a real treat.