Description
These Crispy Chickpea Nuggets with BBQ Sauce are a delicious plant-based appetizer perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, oats, and nutritional yeast, these vegan nuggets are baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. Served with tangy BBQ sauce, they deliver a satisfying texture and flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
- BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chickpea mixture: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, rolled oats, grated carrot, nutritional yeast, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is well blended but retains some texture. Add a splash of water if the mixture feels too dry to help it bind.
- Shape the nuggets: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and form them into nugget shapes using your hands.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each nugget in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick evenly to the surface.
- Prepare for baking: Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or brush them with oil to help achieve a crispy texture during baking.
- Bake the nuggets: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve hot with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry the nuggets at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes instead of baking.
- Add finely chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for additional flavor variations.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
