Description
These Crispy Chickpea Nuggets with BBQ Sauce are a delicious, plant-based twist on traditional nuggets. Made from wholesome chickpeas and baked to golden perfection, they offer a crunchy texture and smoky flavor, perfect for a satisfying snack or main course. Served with tangy BBQ sauce, they make a flavorful and healthy option for vegan and dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Chickpea Nuggets
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup oat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed for texture)
For Serving
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade), for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Chickpea Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, olive oil, soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture for a good bite.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and half of the breadcrumbs to the food processor mixture. Pulse again to combine. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach a moldable texture.
- Form Nuggets: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape each into a nugget form to mimic traditional chicken nuggets.
- Coat Nuggets: Roll each formed nugget in the remaining breadcrumbs to give a crispy exterior once baked.
- Bake: Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispiness and golden color.
- Serve: Remove nuggets from the oven and serve warm with BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For an even crispier texture, air fry the nuggets at 375°F for about 15 minutes instead of baking.
- These nuggets freeze well; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- You can substitute chickpeas with white beans for a slightly different flavor and texture.
