Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Dinners

This dish features smoky, tangy chickpeas simmered in BBQ sauce and spices, served atop crispy toasted bread. The chickpeas are either cooked in a skillet or baked to caramelized perfection, then piled generously on whole grain or sourdough toast. Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced red onion, avocado, and lime add layers of freshness and brightness. Quick to prepare and packed with protein, it makes a perfect light lunch or dinner option.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:24:00 GMT
Golden, toasted bread piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
Golden, toasted bread piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh cilantro. | nibbromeals.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.

The first time I made BBQ chickpeas on toast, I was amazed by how much flavor you can pack into a simple weeknight meal. It quickly became my go-to for days when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.

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 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

Prepare Chickpeas (Skillet):
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. Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
Prepare Chickpeas (Baked):
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). 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 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, showing the texture and delicious sauce. Save
Close-up of savory BBQ chickpeas on toast, showing the texture and delicious sauce. | nibbromeals.com

This recipe is always a hit at weekend family brunch. Everyone loves customizing their toast with favorite toppings and it makes a relaxed, cheerful meal around the table.

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 BBQ sauce and bread labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

A vibrant plate of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast, a quick and satisfying vegan meal option. Save
A vibrant plate of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast, a quick and satisfying vegan meal option. | nibbromeals.com

Try BBQ chickpeas on toast for a vibrant meal that is rich in flavor and simple to prepare. It is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Common recipe questions

Can I bake instead of stovetop cooking?

Yes, spreading the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roasting for 15 minutes caramelizes the flavors and adds texture.

What type of bread works best?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasts nicely and provides a hearty base for the chickpeas.

How can I add extra heat?

Add chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the chickpeas during cooking for a spicy kick.

Are there vegan options for butter?

Yes, use vegan butter or olive oil to toast the bread for a plant-based finish.

Can garnishes be customized?

Absolutely, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and lime wedges complement the flavors well.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas piled on golden toast with smoky spices and fresh herbs for a quick protein boost.

Time to prep
10 minutes
Time to cook
15 minutes
Overall time
25 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 4 Number of servings

Nutrition info Plant-based, No dairy

Ingredient list

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 (14 oz) cans 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 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

01 Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
02 Thinly sliced red onion
03 Sliced avocado
04 Lime wedges

Cooking steps

Step 01

Prepare chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced red onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 02

Add spices and sauce: Incorporate chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly, then stir in vegan BBQ sauce.

Step 03

Cook chickpeas: Simmer mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Step 04

Optional baking step: Alternatively, spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

Toast bread: Toast 4 to 8 slices of bread in a toaster or skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Assemble dish: Pile the BBQ chickpeas generously onto toasted bread slices. Garnish with fresh herbs, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime as desired.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains wheat in bread and potential soy in BBQ sauce; verify product labels for allergens. Use gluten-free bread if necessary.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 340
  • Total fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Protein content: 13 grams