Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Everyday Joyful Meals

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, served atop crisp toasted bread. Combining warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, the chickpeas develop bold flavors that pair beautifully with golden whole grain or sourdough slices. Optional toppings include fresh herbs, sliced avocado, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Quick to prepare and satisfying, this easy, protein-rich option suits vegan diets and makes a perfect light lunch or dinner.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:17:00 GMT
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant red hue of cooked BBQ sauce and tender chickpeas. Pin It
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant red hue of cooked BBQ sauce and tender chickpeas. | platefullyjoy.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 BBQ chickpeas on toast when searching for a satisfying vegan lunch that needed minimal fuss. It quickly became a favorite in my kitchen for its bold flavors and simple prep.

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

Prepare Oven (if baking):
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas
Sauté Vegetables:
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 and Sauce:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat then stir in BBQ sauce
Cook Chickpeas:
For skillet version: Simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot. For baked version: Spread BBQ chickpeas on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 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 toast. Top with optional garnishes: fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, squeeze of lime
Serve:
Serve immediately
Golden toast piled high with juicy BBQ chickpeas, a delicious vegan lunch or dinner option. Pin It
Golden toast piled high with juicy BBQ chickpeas, a delicious vegan lunch or dinner option. | platefullyjoy.com

My family loves this dish as a weeknight dinner that we can easily adapt with extra veggies or spicy toppings. It brings everyone together at the table, especially when we pile on the garnishes.

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

Smoky BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, a flavorful American recipe. Pin It
Smoky BBQ chickpeas on toast, garnished with fresh cilantro, a flavorful American recipe. | platefullyjoy.com

This BBQ chickpeas on toast makes a vibrant and nourishing vegan meal. Enjoy it fresh, and experiment with your favorite bread and toppings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, you can bake the BBQ-coated chickpeas at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes until slightly caramelized for a different texture.

What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted golden works well, providing a sturdy base and complementary flavor.

How can I add extra heat to this dish?

Sprinkle chili flakes or mix in hot sauce with the chickpeas during cooking to increase the spiciness.

Are there vegan options for the butter used in toasting?

Yes, use vegan butter or olive oil to toast the bread to keep the dish fully plant-based.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

The chickpeas can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated and served on toast.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky, tangy BBQ chickpeas piled on golden toast for a quick, protein-packed lunch or light dinner.

Time to Prep
10 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info Plant-Based, No 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add 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 BBQ sauce.

Step 04

Cook Chickpeas (Skillet): Simmer mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are thoroughly heated.

Step 05

Cook Chickpeas (Baked): Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on parchment-lined baking sheet; bake 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble: Pile BBQ chickpeas evenly over toasted bread, then add optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced onion, avocado, or lime juice.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat in bread (substitute gluten-free bread if necessary)
  • Soy may be present in BBQ sauce; verify ingredient labels

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g