If you’re looking for a healthy snack that guarantees to satisfy your salty craving, then you need The Best Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas in your life.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good salty snack. I used to find myself over-indulging on not-so-good snacks like potato chips and french fries, but they never seemed to fill me up. Go figure!
Turns out, when you stuff your face with empty calories, it doesn’t actually give your body any of the nutrients it’s really craving.
Enter: The Best Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas.
Deliciously crunchy and packed with protein, these roasted chickpeas are perfect for guilt-free snacking.
A little bit spicy and beyond addictive (you’ve been warned!) Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas are the perfect way to satisfy your salty snack craving while giving your body all the protein, fiber, and nutrients it’s looking for.
Oh, and did I mention they serve as an amazing grain-free substitute for croutons? You heard me.
These bad boys are not only great for snacking, but they also serve as the tastiest crunchy toppings for your favorite salads and power bowls.
Whether you’re going on a hike or heading into the office, crunchy chickpeas are the perfect on-the-go healthy snack.
Trust me, you’re gonna love them!
Key Ingredients
To make these spicy roasted chickpeas, you will need the following key ingredients:
- Chickpeas. These legumes are one of my favorite ways to add some plant-based protein to salads and grain bowls. They are chock-full of vitamins and minerals, and when roasted to crunchy perfection they are simply magical.
- Olive oil. The key is to use just enough olive oil to help the chickpeas crisp up, without using so much that they wind up chewy.
- Maple syrup. This helps to hold everything together while also adding just the right touch of sweetness. To avoid unwanted additives, always make sure to opt for pure maple syrup.
- Spices. The key to making these chickpeas beyond drool-worthy lies in the perfect blend of spices. For this dish, I use a combination of salt, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne, and cinnamon.
How to Make Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas
An essential component of any good snack recipe is making sure that it is easy to make.
That being said, I can gladly report that this spicy chickpea recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, lay them out across a few sheets of paper towels. Gently roll them in the paper towels to soak up any excess moisture, then let them sit for about 10 minutes to dry out. This is super important for getting them nice and crispy in the oven!
- In a small mixing bowl, add olive oil, maple syrup, and your spices. Whisk together until the mixture is combined.
- Add the chickpeas to the mixture and toss until they are thoroughly coated.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas
There’s a reason why these little legumes have exploded in popularity in the health food world.
If you’re not already on the bandwagon, allow me to introduce you to the fabulousness that is the mighty chickpea.
Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are part of the legume family. They’re loaded with protein, fiber, and tons of other essential vitamins and nutrients.
According to Healthline, these are some of the top health benefits of chickpeas:
- Aiding in weight loss. The high levels of protein and fiber found in chickpeas help to keep you full and satisfied for longer, which ultimately helps to prevent overeating.
- Regulating blood sugar. Your glycemic index indicates how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating certain foods. Luckily for us, chickpeas’ glycemic index is relatively low, making it great for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- Supporting digestion. Chickpeas are chock-full of soluble fiber, which helps maintain healthy bacteria levels in your gut. In turn, this reduces the risk of digestive conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer.
- Fighting disease. Chickpeas are full of vitamins and minerals that help lower your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Supporting brain health. Chickpeas are a rich source of choline, which helps to promote brain function and energy levels.
- Supplying essential nutrients. Aside from being a terrific source of protein and fiber, chickpeas are also loaded with iron, which is great for muscle metabolism and physical growth.
Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas Seasoning Ideas
For this dish, I chose to season these chickpeas with a combination of salt, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne, and cinnamon for a salty, smoky flavor.
However, this flavor combination is just one of your many options.
When roasted, chickpeas become crunchy and make for a delicious way to finish off salads, grain bowls, and all sorts of entrées.
They’re also super versatile, so you can get creative and season them in a variety of ways based on your preferences.
To get you started, here are some of my favorite seasoning ideas for roasted chickpeas:
- Cinnamon and sugar. If you’re looking to sweeten up this dish, try seasoning the chickpeas with a combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Turmeric and ginger. For a warmer, spicier version of this dish, try seasoning with turmeric and ginger. Not only is it completely drool-worthy, but this combination is the ultimate immunity booster.
- Lime and black pepper. Citrus-y flavor with a touch of heat, anybody? A squeeze of lime juice and black pepper gives these chickpeas a refreshing, zesty flavor.
- Everything bagel seasoning. This seasoning blend is absolutely delicious sprinkled on everything—even roasted chickpeas! To make everything bagel seasoning at home, simply mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, dehydrated onion, and sea salt.
- Italian seasoning. For an Italian-inspired flavor profile, season your chickpeas with a sprinkle of some Italian seasoning.
Ways to Serve Crunchy Chickpeas
As I’ve mentioned, crunchy spiced chickpeas work great as either a healthy snack or topping. If you’re looking for some awesome ways to enjoy them, here are a few of my favorites:
- Top off salads. Every good salad needs varied texture and a bit of crunch. Use them in place of croutons to top off salads like this delicious Chopped Leftover Turkey Salad or this Health Coach Cobb Salad Recipe.
- Add to grain bowls. Roasted chickpeas are a delicious way to add texture, fiber, and protein to your power grain bowls. Use this dish to finish off this Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Butternut Squash.
- Enjoy as a snack. By now, you have probably gotten the idea that crunchy chickpeas are the ideal healthy snack. I recommend eating these by the handful, there’s no shame in the snacking game!
- Stuff into wraps. Grab a tortilla and pack it with crunchy chickpeas, your favorite veggies, and hummus for a wholesome and easy plant-based lunch.
How to Store This Dish
Find yourself with leftover crunchy chickpeas? Leftovers are beyond easy to store and make the perfect healthy addition to lunches, salads, bowls, and any other dishes you decide to whip up later on in the week.
I recommend storing your chickpeas at room temperature, as the moisture from the fridge will cause them to get chewy quickly. When properly stored, they will keep at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Here are a few options:
- Stash them in a bowl and cover it loosely with foil.
- Secure them in an airtight jar, storage container, or bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about roasted chickpeas:
Are crunchy chickpeas good for you?
Yes! Chickpeas are a staple in any healthy diet, as they are a terrific source of protein and fiber. Not only that, but roasted chickpeas are full of essential vitamins and low on cholesterol, making them a great healthy alternative to your favorite salty snacks.
Why are my roasted chickpeas chewy?
To prevent chewy chickpeas, make sure to fully dry them out before placing them in the oven to roast. Another great way of ensuring crunchy results is leaving them in the oven for 5-10 minutes with the door slightly open once they’ve finished cooking.
What should I serve with crunchy chickpeas?
Crunchy chickpeas are the ultimate healthy snack to serve on their own or as part of a larger snack or appetizer like this Healthy Cheese Snack Tray. Additionally, roasted chickpeas make a wonderful addition to salads and grain bowls.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
Love this dish? Here are some more healthy snack ideas:
- Spicy Garlic Edamame Recipe (Quick & Delicious!)
- Easy + Gluten-Free Almond Flour Bread Recipe
- Easy Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe
- Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint (It’s Incredible!)
- How to Make Socca (AKA Chickpea Flatbread)
The Best Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mix, roast
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crunchy Spiced Chickpeas are the ultimate healthy snack or grain-free alternative to croutons. Enjoy them on their own or add them to your favorite salads and grain bowls for an extra dose of protein and fiber!
Ingredients
- 1 x 15 oz can chickpeas, no salt added
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more or less, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, lay them out across a few sheets of paper towels. Gently roll them in the paper towels to soak up any excess moisture, then let them sit for about 10 minutes to dry out. This is super important for getting them nice and crispy in the oven!
- In a small mixing bowl, add olive oil, maple syrup, and your spices. Whisk together until the mixture is combined.
- Add the chickpeas to the mixture and toss until they are thoroughly coated.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
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