Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Wham-Worthy Weeknights

Enjoy a vibrant, protein-packed dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in smoky BBQ sauce, paired with crisp toasted bread. This vegan-friendly meal balances tangy, smoky flavors with warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Quick to prepare, it offers flexibility to cook chickpeas in a skillet or bake them for caramelized edges. Garnish with fresh herbs, avocado, and lime for brightness. Ideal for a light dinner or lunch, this dish brings rich textures and bold flavors together on every bite.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT
Golden, toasted bread piled high with juicy BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. Save
Golden, toasted bread piled high with juicy BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. | whambite.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 when looking for a flavorful vegan lunch that could be thrown together in minutes. The savory BBQ chickpeas are now a staple in our weekly rotation.

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 (if baking):
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas
Cook Onion & Garlic:
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2,3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
Spice & Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce
Simmer or Bake Chickpeas:
For skillet: Simmer for 5,7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot. For baked: Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized
Toast Bread:
Toast bread slices in toaster or on skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden
Assemble & Garnish:
Pile BBQ chickpeas onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes: herbs, red onion, avocado, or lime
Serve:
Serve immediately
Close-up of bubbling BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan meal. Save
Close-up of bubbling BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan meal. | whambite.com

My family loves piling these chickpeas on toast and customizing each slice with avocado and lime juice. It's a hit for weeknight dinners and easy lunches alike.

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 (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

Savory BBQ chickpeas on toast with a vibrant sauce, ready to be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish. Save
Savory BBQ chickpeas on toast with a vibrant sauce, ready to be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish. | whambite.com

Enjoy smoky BBQ chickpeas on crisp toast for a nourishing meal any time. It's easily customizable and perfect for sharing.

Kitchen Guide

What type of chickpeas work best?

Canned chickpeas drained and rinsed provide a tender texture and are convenient for quick preparation.

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on a skillet?

Yes, baking them at 200°C for 15 minutes caramelizes the BBQ sauce and adds a slightly crisp texture.

What breads are recommended for toasting?

Whole grain or sourdough bread works well, toasted until golden for added crunch and flavor.

Which spices enhance the smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of black pepper create warm, smoky notes complementing the BBQ sauce.

Are there garnish ideas for extra freshness?

Fresh cilantro, parsley, sliced red onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and texture.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, by using gluten-free bread options, this meal can be adapted to gluten-free needs.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas served warm on toasted whole grain bread with fresh herbs and spices.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet Requirements Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 cans chickpeas, 14 oz each, 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

Phase 01

Heat onion and garlic: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Phase 02

Combine chickpeas and seasonings: Add the drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly, then mix in the BBQ sauce.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Alternatively, bake chickpeas: Spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Assemble and garnish: Pile the BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toasted bread slice. Finish with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (in bread; substitute gluten-free bread as needed) and soy (potentially in BBQ sauce). Verify product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

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