Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Quick Delights

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in smoky BBQ sauce, served over golden toasted bread for a satisfying meal. The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime elevates the flavors, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Preparation is simple and quick, with options to cook chickpeas on the stove or bake for added caramelization. Toast is brushed with vegan butter or olive oil to add crunch and richness.

Optional toppings like sliced red onion, avocado, and fresh herbs add freshness and texture. This vegan and protein-packed dish offers a harmonious balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes, ideal for plant-based dining without relying on complicated methods.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:05:00 GMT
Smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan lunch idea. Save
Smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan lunch idea. | snacksplat.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 for my family as a fun twist on classic beans on toast. Everyone loved how flavorful and satisfying it was, especially with all the colorful toppings. It has become our go-to lunch when we need something fast but hearty.

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 (optional):
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.
Skillet version:
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
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.
Golden, toasted bread topped with savory BBQ Chickpeas, a satisfying and easy American meal. Save
Golden, toasted bread topped with savory BBQ Chickpeas, a satisfying and easy American meal. | snacksplat.com

My kids love helping with this meal, from tossing chickpeas in the sauce to choosing their own toppings. We laugh and chat around the kitchen island, making lunch together feel like a fun family event.

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 (possibly in BBQ sauce); always check bread and sauce labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of hearty BBQ Chickpeas on Toast, offering a perfect blend of smoky, flavorful textures. Save
Close-up of hearty BBQ Chickpeas on Toast, offering a perfect blend of smoky, flavorful textures. | snacksplat.com

Enjoy these BBQ chickpeas on toast for a simple, satisfying, and affordable meal. They're perfect for busy days and always packed with flavor.

Recipe Guide

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

Yes, baking the BBQ-coated chickpeas at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes enhances caramelization and deepens the smoky flavor.

What bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread varieties toast well and complement the smoky chickpeas.

How can I add more heat to the chickpeas?

Incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce into the chickpeas while cooking to boost spiciness.

Are there any garnish suggestions to enhance flavor?

Fresh cilantro, parsley, sliced red onion, avocado, and lime wedges brighten the dish with fresh, zesty notes.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

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

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas atop crisp toast, garnished with fresh herbs and lime for a quick, flavorful dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Plant-based, No dairy

What you'll need

Chickpeas and 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 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

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season chickpeas: Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then pour in vegan BBQ sauce and toss evenly.

Step 03

Cook chickpeas in skillet: Simmer the BBQ-coated chickpeas over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Step 04

Optional baked preparation: Alternatively, preheat oven to 400°F. Spread chickpeas coated in BBQ sauce on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (bread); use gluten-free bread if needed.
  • May contain soy if present in BBQ sauce; check labels.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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