Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Cozy Breakfasts

This dish features smoky, tender chickpeas simmered with rich BBQ sauce and spices, served generously on crisp, golden toast. A hint of smokiness from paprika and cumin enhances the tangy sauce, while optional garnishes like fresh herbs, avocado, and lime add brightness. Quick to prepare and packed with plant-based protein, it makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Toast is perfectly golden, providing a crunchy base that complements the creamy chickpeas. Adjust seasoning or add chili flakes for a little heat. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:58:00 GMT
BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high and garnished, offering a vibrant, flavorful vegan lunch idea. Pin
BBQ Chickpeas on Toast piled high and garnished, offering a vibrant, flavorful vegan lunch idea. | cinnamonnest.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.

When I first experimented with BBQ chickpeas on toast, I was amazed by how satisfying it was. It has quickly become my go-to meal for busy weekdays when I want both comfort and nutrition.

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

Prep Oven:
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 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Mix Chickpeas:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Simmer or Bake:
For skillet version: Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the 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:
Meanwhile, 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.
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| cinnamonnest.com

This recipe is a family favorite on busy evenings, and everyone enjoys adding their own garnishes to customize each slice of toast.

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 and 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

Golden toast topped with savory BBQ Chickpeas; a satisfying, easy vegan meal, great flavors. Pin
Golden toast topped with savory BBQ Chickpeas; a satisfying, easy vegan meal, great flavors. | cinnamonnest.com

This tasty toast is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavors and textures.

Recipe FAQ

How should the chickpeas be cooked for best flavor?

Simmer chickpeas in BBQ sauce with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic until heated through and slightly thickened to infuse smoky, tangy flavors.

Can the chickpeas be baked instead of simmered?

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

What bread types work well for this dish?

Whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread toasted until golden provides a sturdy and flavorful base for the chickpeas.

Are there garnish suggestions to enhance the dish?

Fresh cilantro, parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime add freshness and balance to the smoky chickpeas.

How can this dish be adjusted for more heat?

Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpeas during cooking for a spicier kick.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas atop crisp toast with smoky, tangy notes for a quick, protein-rich meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
15 min
Total duration
25 min

Category Cozy Breakfasts

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
03 1 tbsp olive oil
04 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 ½ tsp ground cumin
08 ½ tsp 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Flavor chickpeas: Add drained chickpeas along with smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly. Pour in BBQ sauce and stir to combine.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Or bake chickpeas (optional): 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 bread: Toast bread slices in a toaster or skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Assemble and garnish: Pile BBQ chickpeas generously on toasted bread. Add optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, or lime wedges.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat in bread; use gluten-free bread if needed
  • BBQ sauce may contain soy; check labels carefully

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 55 g
  • Protein: 13 g