Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Healthy Meals

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, served atop golden toasted whole grain or sourdough bread. Aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and fresh garlic infuse the chickpeas, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. Optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced avocado, and red onion add brightness and texture. Whether skillet-cooked or oven-baked, this quick, protein-packed plate is perfect for a casual lunch or light dinner, offering a delicious vegan twist on a comforting classic.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Golden, toasted bread piled high with juicy, glistening BBQ Chickpeas, ready to eat. Save
Golden, toasted bread piled high with juicy, glistening BBQ Chickpeas, ready to eat. | berrycottage.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 discovered this BBQ chickpea toast when searching for hearty vegan meals that didn't require complicated steps. It quickly became my go-to for busy weekdays when I wanted something satisfying but wholesome.

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

Prepare Chickpeas:
If baking, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Season & Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Cook Chickpeas:
For skillet version, simmer for 5–7 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:
Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble & Garnish:
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.
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| berrycottage.com

This recipe is always a hit in my family—my kids love building their own toasts with their favorite toppings, and it's become a weekend tradition to enjoy BBQ chickpeas together around the table.

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) 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

A close-up of flavorful BBQ Chickpeas topping crispy toast, garnished with fresh herbs and red onion. Save
A close-up of flavorful BBQ Chickpeas topping crispy toast, garnished with fresh herbs and red onion. | berrycottage.com

Try this recipe for a flavorful, vegan meal that's easy to personalize. It's every bit as delicious as it is fast.

Recipe FAQ

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes, spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway to caramelize and deepen the flavors.

What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted until golden provides a crisp base that complements the saucy chickpeas well.

How can I add extra heat to the chickpeas?

Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the chickpeas to introduce some spiciness.

Are there any suitable garnishes to enhance the flavor?

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

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, cooked chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated before serving on toast.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Using gluten-free bread options makes this dish safe for gluten-free eating while keeping the flavors intact.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas piled on crisp toasted bread with fresh garnishes for a tasty, easy meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

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 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1/2 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

Directions

Direction 01

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

Direction 02

Combine chickpeas and spices: Stir in chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to combine evenly before introducing the BBQ sauce.

Direction 03

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

Direction 04

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

Direction 05

Assemble: Generously pile the BBQ chickpeas onto each toast slice. Garnish with optional fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Direction 06

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat if using standard bread; gluten-free bread recommended for sensitivity. Verify soy presence in BBQ sauce.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g