Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Main Dishes

This dish features tender chickpeas cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, served over crisp, golden toasted bread. Perfectly balanced with optional fresh herbs, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, it combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. Quick to prepare and adaptable with baking or skillet methods, it suits a speedy lunch or light dinner. Adding optional chili flakes or hot sauce can enhance heat, while gluten-free bread accommodates dietary needs.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT
BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high with fresh herbs on golden toasted bread slices. Save
BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high with fresh herbs on golden toasted bread slices. | cheerfulchefs.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 tried making BBQ chickpeas on toast during a busy week and it quickly became my go-to meal. The combination of smoky chickpeas and crunchy bread always satisfies my cravings.

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 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

Prepare Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas. 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.
Mix Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Cook Chickpeas (Choose Method):
For skillet version: Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until 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:
Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with 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 immediately.
Tender, smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast offering a satisfying vegan meal with avocado and lime. Save
Tender, smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast offering a satisfying vegan meal with avocado and lime. | cheerfulchefs.com

This dish was an instant hit with my family at our weekend lunch. We love customizing each toast with our favorite toppings, making mealtime fun for everyone.

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), Soy (if in BBQ sauce). Always check labels to ensure suitability.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 13 g (per serving)

A close-up of delicious BBQ Chickpeas on Toast with a rich, glistening sauce, ready to eat. Save
A close-up of delicious BBQ Chickpeas on Toast with a rich, glistening sauce, ready to eat. | cheerfulchefs.com

Serve BBQ chickpeas on toast right away for maximum crunch. Customize with fresh toppings to suit your taste.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread provides a sturdy, flavorful base. Gluten-free alternatives can be used if needed.

Can the chickpeas be baked instead of cooked in a skillet?

Yes, spreading BBQ-coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and roasting them caramelizes their edges for extra texture.

How can I add extra heat to the dish?

Sprinkle chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a topping.

What garnishes complement the chickpeas on toast?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, sliced red onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and freshness.

Is this suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, all ingredients are vegan-friendly, and vegan butter or olive oil is used for toasting.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Chickpeas can be cooked and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it easy to prepare in advance.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas with smoky spices piled on crisp toast. A protein-rich, flavorful vegan meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option

What You’ll 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 ground 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare skillet base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 02

Combine chickpeas and spices: Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Toss to evenly coat the chickpeas.

Step 03

Incorporate BBQ sauce: Stir in the vegan BBQ sauce, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas are thoroughly heated.

Step 04

Alternative baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

Toast bread: Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Assemble and serve: Pile the BBQ chickpeas generously onto each slice of toast. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (in bread); gluten-free bread recommended if needed. Soy may be present in BBQ sauce; verify labels for allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams