Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

This dish features tender, smoky chickpeas coated in a flavorful sauce, served on crisp, golden whole grain toast. The combination creates a protein-rich and tangy meal, enhanced by spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and fresh garnishes such as cilantro, red onion, and avocado. Preparation is quick, requiring minimal cooking steps with options for skillet or baking methods. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner that brings bold, comforting flavors together.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:29:00 GMT
Golden, crispy toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, offering a hearty vegetarian lunch. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, offering a hearty vegetarian lunch. | funcockts.com

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

I first tried BBQ chickpeas on toast when I was searching for a speedy and comforting meal that didn&t sacrifice nutrition or taste. The fun twist on classic beans and toast became an instant hit at home.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas & Sauce: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan, store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small red onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Salt, to taste
  • Toast: 4 to 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread; Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped; Thinly sliced red onion; Sliced avocado; Lime wedges

Instructions

Prep & Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
Saute:
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.
Spice & Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Skillet Cooking:
For skillet version: Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
Baked Chickpeas:
For baked version: Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.
Toasting Bread:
Meanwhile, toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble & Serve:
Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Close-up of savory BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of savory BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. | funcockts.com

This meal often brings our family together on busy evenings. There&s something about the smoky aroma and the golden toast that sparks lively conversation around the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (from bread; use gluten-free bread if needed) and possibly soy (check BBQ sauce ingredients). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 13 g.

A plate of toasted bread topped with flavorful BBQ chickpeas, promising a delightful vegan meal. Save to Pinterest
A plate of toasted bread topped with flavorful BBQ chickpeas, promising a delightful vegan meal. | funcockts.com

Enjoy BBQ chickpeas on toast fresh and warm for the best texture. Let your favorite toppings shine!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking them on the stove?

Yes, spreading the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and baking for 15 minutes caramelizes them nicely and intensifies the smoky flavor.

What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread provide a sturdy, flavorful base that crisps well, but gluten-free options can be used as needed.

How can I add extra heat to the chickpeas?

Adding chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the chickpeas during cooking will add a pleasant spicy kick.

Are there optional garnishes to enhance the flavor?

Fresh cilantro, parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and lime wedges all add freshness and balance to the smoky chickpeas.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the chickpeas can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to three days, allowing for quick assembly when ready to serve.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky, tangy chickpeas piled on crisp toast with fresh herbs, ideal for a quick, protein-rich meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Facts Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy

What You Need

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

Step 01

Prepare Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook another minute.

Step 02

Combine Chickpeas and Spices: Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly before mixing in the BBQ sauce.

Step 03

Cook Chickpeas - Skillet Method: Simmer the chickpeas and sauce over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Step 04

Cook Chickpeas - Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

Toast Bread: Toast bread slices using a toaster or skillet, applying vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Assemble Dish: Pile the BBQ chickpeas generously atop each slice of toasted bread. Add optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Baking sheet
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (in bread) and potential soy (in BBQ sauce). Verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g