Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable Version)
Crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, these roasted chickpeas make a perfect healthy snack or crunchy salad topper.
# What You Need:
→ Chickpeas
01 - 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
→ Seasonings
03 - 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Thoroughly pat the drained and rinsed chickpeas very dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness during roasting.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with olive oil. Toss until all the chickpeas are evenly coated.
04 - Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and sea salt to the bowl. Toss vigorously until the chickpeas are uniformly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
05 - Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to facilitate even roasting and crisping.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Gently shake the pan or stir the chickpeas once halfway through the cooking time, until they achieve a golden-brown hue and a delightful crisp texture.
07 - Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chickpeas to cool on the sheet for approximately 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
08 - Serve the Cajun spiced roasted chickpeas immediately as a flavorful snack or crunchy salad topper. For storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to three days.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They hit all the right notes — crispy, savory, and with just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overpowering them.
- Plus, they're incredibly versatile, perfect for snacking straight from the bowl or adding a pop of flavor and texture to your salads.
02 -
- The absolute biggest game-changer for crispy chickpeas is getting them *bone dry* before you add any oil; moisture is the enemy of crunch!
- Crowding the pan turns roasting into steaming, so always spread them out in a single layer; if you have too many, use two baking sheets — it's worth it.
03 -
- For a little extra heat that really lingers, don't be shy with the cayenne; you can always add a pinch of chili powder too for another dimension of warmth.
- Using parchment paper isn't just for easy cleanup; it also helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning, leading to a superior, more consistent crunch.