Oven-baked Southwest Crunchy Chickpeas are a tasty blend of bold flavors and satisfying crunch, perfect as a snack or a salad topper. They’re loaded with protein and seasoned with a zesty mix of smoky chili, cumin, paprika, and a touch of lime. These crispy chickpeas are easy to make and a great alternative to chips or a flavorful way to spice up your meals. With just a few pantry staples and a quick roast in the oven, you can whip up this simple, wholesome treat in no time.
Crunchy Southwest Chickpeas
This recipe for oven-baked Southwest crunchy chickpeas is quick, easy, and full of bold flavor. Coated in a smoky Southwest seasoning, these crispy chickpeas make a deliciously healthy snack or crunchy topping for salads, soups, and grain bowls. With just a few pantry staples you can create this irresistible treat that’s high in protein and big on taste! Perfect for meal prep or whenever you’re craving something savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry. Remove any loose skins.
Season Chickpeas: Transfer the chickpeas to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chickpeas and toss until well-coated.
Bake: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even crisping. Chickpeas are done when golden brown and crunchy.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the chickpeas cool completely on the baking sheet; they will crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the chickpeas completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crunch. Removing the skins can also enhance crispiness.
Spread Evenly: Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote even roasting.
Stir Midway: Toss the chickpeas halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn on one side.
Cool for Extra Crunch: Let the chickpeas cool completely on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Adjust Spices: Customize the seasoning blend by adding more cayenne for heat or a sprinkle of lime zest for extra zing.
Re-crisping: If the chickpeas soften after a day or two, pop them back into the oven for 5–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crunch.
Additional Seasoning Ideas
Here are some flavorful seasoning ideas to try for oven-baked chickpeas:
Garlic Parmesan: Toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese after baking.
Lemon Herb: Combine olive oil, lemon zest, dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of sea salt for a zesty, Mediterranean flavor.
Spicy Sriracha: Mix chickpeas with olive oil, Sriracha, and a touch of honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
Curry: Toss with olive oil, curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of ground coriander for a warm, earthy flavor.
Buffalo Ranch: Mix olive oil with hot sauce and ranch seasoning for a tangy, spicy flavor.
Everything Bagel: Toss with olive oil and a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning for a savory snack.
Barbecue: Use olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, a touch of brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne for BBQ-inspired crunch.
Turmeric Ginger: Mix olive oil with ground turmeric, ginger, and a sprinkle of black pepper for a vibrant, anti-inflammatory boost.
Italian: Combine olive oil, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan for a classic Italian flavor.
