Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Everyday Country Recipes

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in smoky BBQ sauce, served atop crisp, toasted whole grain or sourdough bread. Aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin add warmth, while fresh garnishes such as cilantro, red onion, and avocado create layers of flavor and texture. Prepared quickly in a skillet or oven, it offers a nutritious and protein-rich option perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Optional toppings and seasoning adjustments allow for personalized zest and freshness.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:45:00 GMT
Close-up of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast: a hearty vegan lunch with smoky flavors. Save
Close-up of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast: a hearty vegan lunch with smoky flavors. | cloverhearth.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 dish for my friends who were craving something hearty but healthy. Everyone loved how flavorful and satisfying it was, with that delicious combination of BBQ-spiced chickpeas and crunchy toast.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans, drained and rinsed
  • BBQ sauce: 1 cup (vegan, store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Bread: 4–8 slices whole grain or sourdough
  • 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:
Drain and rinse chickpeas. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking.
Cook aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook about 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Mix & coat:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat then stir in BBQ sauce.
Simmer or bake chickpeas:
For skillet: simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot. For baked: spread chickpeas on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 15 minutes, stirring halfway.
Toast bread:
Toast bread slices in toaster or in skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble:
Pile BBQ chickpeas onto toast. Top with chosen garnish such as herbs, red onion, avocado, or lime.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately while warm.
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Recently, I made this recipe for a quick family lunch and it was a hit. My kids loved piling their own toppings and everyone enjoyed the smoky taste together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your BBQ chickpeas on toast with a simple green salad or crunchy coleslaw for a balanced meal. Adding a squeeze of lime brightens everything up.

Allergen Notes

This recipe contains wheat in the bread and may contain soy in the BBQ sauce. Always check individual product labels to avoid allergens for your dietary needs.

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 340 calories, 7 g fat, 55 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein. The chickpeas add plant power and fiber, while toppings keep things fresh and colorful.

Golden toast slices topped with vibrant BBQ chickpeas, ready to eat and enjoy. Save
Golden toast slices topped with vibrant BBQ chickpeas, ready to eat and enjoy. | cloverhearth.com

Enjoy this vibrant vegan meal for lunch or dinner whenever you need something speedy and satisfying. Chickpeas and BBQ sauce make magic together!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use canned chickpeas for this dish?

Yes, canned chickpeas work well. Drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor absorption.

What type of bread is best for toasting?

Whole grain or sourdough breads toast nicely and provide a sturdy base to hold the chickpeas without becoming soggy.

How can I add some heat to the flavors?

Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the BBQ chickpeas during cooking for a gentle spicy kick.

Is it necessary to use a skillet to cook the chickpeas?

No, you can also bake the BBQ-coated chickpeas in the oven for a caramelized texture if preferred.

What garnishes enhance this dish?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and depth to the dish.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, cooked chickpeas can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving on fresh toast.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas piled on toasted bread, brightened with herbs and spices for a flavorful, light meal.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
15 minutes
Overall time
25 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Servings made 4 Portion size

Diet preferences Plant-based, Free of dairy

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 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

How to make it

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Alternative baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve immediately: Serve the prepared toast with chickpeas while hot for best flavor and texture.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread); use gluten-free bread if necessary.
  • May contain soy depending on BBQ sauce ingredient.
  • Always verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams