Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Quick Meals

This dish features tender chickpeas coated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, cooked to perfection either on the skillet or baked for extra caramelization. Served on crisp, golden whole grain or sourdough toast, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavor. Optional garnishes like fresh herbs, red onion, avocado slices, and lime wedges add freshness and brightness. Ready in 25 minutes, it's a protein-packed, easy meal ideal for lunch or dinner.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:10:00 GMT
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant BBQ sauce coating the tender chickpeas, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant BBQ sauce coating the tender chickpeas, ready to enjoy. | buddybiteskitchen.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.

I first made BBQ chickpeas on toast after searching for a satisfying vegan meal that was fast and flavorful. This recipe has become my go-to when I want something both comforting and wholesome.

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; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp black pepper; Salt, to taste
  • Toast: 4–8 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 (if baking):
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
Cook aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Season chickpeas:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Simmer or bake:
For skillet version: Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot. For baked version: Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.
Toast bread:
Meanwhile, toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble:
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.
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This recipe brings everyone to the table, even the kids love customizing their own toast with toppings.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat in bread and possibly soy in BBQ sauce. Check labels for hidden allergens and choose gluten-free bread if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving: 340 calories, 7 g total fat, 55 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein

Golden, toasted bread piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh herbs, a mouthwatering vegan meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden, toasted bread piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh herbs, a mouthwatering vegan meal. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This dish is delightfully versatile and can be whipped up any day of the week for a hearty vegan meal. Enjoy your BBQ chickpeas on toast while warm for the best flavor.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on the skillet?

Yes, baking the BBQ-coated chickpeas at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes results in a slightly caramelized texture, enhancing flavor and crispness.

What type of bread works best for this dish?

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

How can I add extra heat to the dish?

Sprinkle chili flakes or add hot sauce to the chickpeas while cooking to introduce a spicy kick.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Using gluten-free bread allows the dish to be suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

Can I prepare the chickpeas ahead of time?

Yes, cooked BBQ chickpeas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making meal prep convenient.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender smoky chickpeas in tangy BBQ sauce atop golden toast, perfect for a quick meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Quick Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Free of Dairy

What You'll Need

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup vegan barbecue sauce
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
08 ½ 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F if choosing to bake the chickpeas.

Step 02

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 minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add chickpeas and spices: Incorporate chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to evenly coat, then stir in the barbecue sauce.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Bake chickpeas (optional): For baked preparation, spread barbecue-coated chickpeas evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Step 06

Toast bread: While chickpeas cook, toast bread slices using a toaster or skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 07

Assemble dish: Pile the hot barbecue chickpeas generously onto each slice of toast. Garnish as desired with fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Step 08

Serve immediately: Serve promptly for best texture and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat in bread; substitute with gluten-free bread as needed
  • May contain soy depending on barbecue sauce ingredients
  • Check labels carefully for hidden allergens in barbecue sauce and bread

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Protein Content: 13 grams