Smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in a smoky BBQ sauce, combined with fragrant spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Served atop crisp, golden whole grain or sourdough toast, it offers a balance of textures and savory, tangy flavors. Optional garnishes include fresh herbs, sliced avocado, and lime wedges to brighten each bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for busy days while delivering a protein-packed, vegan-friendly option.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:13:00 GMT
A close-up of BBQ chickpeas on toast, piled high with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of BBQ chickpeas on toast, piled high with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. | yummywithmia.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 tried BBQ chickpeas on toast as a speedy weeknight meal. The bold flavors and easy prep make it a go-to for busy days, while the protein keeps you satisfied long after the last bite.

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; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 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.
Start Chickpeas:
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.
Season & Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Cooking Options:
For skillet version, simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until 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 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, crispy toast topped with savory BBQ chickpeas, a delicious vegan lunch option. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy toast topped with savory BBQ chickpeas, a delicious vegan lunch option. | yummywithmia.com

The first time the whole family gathered for dinner with BBQ chickpeas on toast, it became an instant favorite. Everyone loved customizing their own with different toppings, and even the pickiest eaters came back for seconds.

Required Tools

Large skillet or frying pan, baking sheet if baking, toaster or grill pan, chefs knife, and cutting board will help make prep effortless for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (in bread; choose gluten-free if needed) and may contain soy (in BBQ sauce). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is about 340 calories, with 7 g total fat, 55 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.

Enjoy a plate of flavorful BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with red onion and avocado. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a plate of flavorful BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with red onion and avocado. | yummywithmia.com

This vegan BBQ chickpeas on toast comes together fast and packs major flavor. Enjoy as a comforting lunch or dinner that everyone will love.

Common Recipe Questions

How can I add extra heat to this dish?

For a spicier flavor, sprinkle chili flakes or stir in your favorite hot sauce while cooking the chickpeas.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread varieties to keep the meal gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.

Is it possible to bake the chickpeas instead of cooking them on the stovetop?

Yes, spreading BBQ-coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and baking at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes caramelizes them beautifully.

What garnishes work best with BBQ chickpeas on toast?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime add freshness and brightness.

How long can I store prepared chickpeas?

Cooked BBQ-seasoned chickpeas can be refrigerated and kept fresh for up to three days.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas on Toast

BBQ-spiced chickpeas atop crisp golden toast for a quick, smoky, satisfying vegan meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Plant-Based, Dairy-Free

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 ground 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F if opting to bake the chickpeas.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Bake Chickpeas (Optional): Spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble and Serve: Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Add optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (in bread) and possibly soy (in BBQ sauce); verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 340
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 55 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams