Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Eats

This dish features tender chickpeas coated in a smoky and tangy BBQ sauce, cooked with aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Served generously over crisp, toasted whole grain or sourdough bread, it offers a satisfying and protein-rich option for a light lunch or dinner. Optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime add vibrant freshness and texture. Quick to prepare, it suits both skillet or oven methods, with flexible serving suggestions.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Golden-brown toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, offering a satisfying vegan lunch. Save
Golden-brown toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, offering a satisfying vegan lunch. | tazzsip.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 this for my family on a busy weeknight when everyone wanted something hearty but light (it quickly became a go-to meal for our lunch rotation)

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas & Sauce: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan), 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

Prep Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) for baked version. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium (add onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened (add garlic and cook 1 minute))
Add Flavorings:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt (toss to coat and stir in BBQ sauce)
Simmer or Bake:
For skillet version (simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot). For baked version (spread BBQ chickpeas on lined baking sheet and bake 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized)
Toast Bread:
Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden
Assemble and Serve:
Pile BBQ chickpeas onto toast and add optional garnishes (herbs, red onion, avocado, squeeze of lime). Serve immediately
Close-up of a plate with BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado. Save
Close-up of a plate with BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado. | tazzsip.com

My kids love adding extra avocado on top (we always share laughter while building a plate with everyone choosing their favorite garnish)

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 (use gluten-free bread if needed)), Soy (possible in BBQ sauce). Always check BBQ sauce and bread for allergens

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

A generous serving of flavorful BBQ chickpeas on toasted bread, a quick and delicious vegan recipe. Save
A generous serving of flavorful BBQ chickpeas on toasted bread, a quick and delicious vegan recipe. | tazzsip.com

This BBQ chickpeas on toast is perfect for sharing and always disappears fast (enjoy experimenting with different garnish combos)

Recipe Guide

How can I make the chickpeas extra flavorful?

Sauté diced onions and garlic before adding chickpeas and spices to build a rich, smoky base. Using smoked paprika and cumin enhances depth.

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

Yes, spread coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway for slight caramelization.

What breads work best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted with vegan butter or olive oil provides a crisp, hearty base that complements the smoky chickpeas.

Are there garnish suggestions to brighten the dish?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime enhance freshness and texture.

Is this dish suitable for those following a vegan diet?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, making it a flavorful vegan option rich in protein and spices.

Can I add heat to the chickpeas?

Adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpea mixture introduces a spicy kick without overpowering the smoky flavor.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas piled on crisp toast create a tangy, protein-packed vegan meal.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Easy Weeknight Eats

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Plant-based, No dairy

Components

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 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
08 0.5 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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare the chickpea base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 02

Add spices and chickpeas: Incorporate chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir to evenly coat all ingredients.

Phase 03

Simmer with BBQ sauce: Pour in the vegan BBQ sauce and simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas are heated through.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Assemble and garnish: Pile a generous amount of BBQ chickpeas onto each toast. Finish with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve the prepared toasts immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat if using regular bread; substitute gluten-free bread if necessary.
  • Soy may be present in some BBQ sauces; verify ingredient labels to avoid allergens.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g