Chickpea Nuggets Recipe

by Micki
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Are you looking for a quick and delicious chickpea nuggets recipe to whip up in no time? Look no further because these delicious chickpea nuggets will be your new perfect finger food!

Forget ordering take out or relying on frozen foods that lack flavor – these crispy golden brown chickpea chicken nuggets are going to be the hit of the dinner table. Not only is this easy appetizer simple enough for even beginning cooks, but it’s also packed with plant based protein from the chickpeas.

Easy Homemade Chickpea Nuggets

The savory herbs, spices and garlic make every bite flavorful and satisfying. So if you’re ready for an exciting new twist on dinner tonight, give these amazing chickpea nuggets a try!

Chickpea Nuggets Recipe

Looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to chicken nuggets? Try these delicious chickpea nuggets that are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.

Looking for garbanzo bean nuggets? You’re in luck! Garbanzo beans are another name for chickpeas!

What you’ll need to make

To make these chickpea nuggets, you’ll need chickpeas (drained), shredded zucchini, shredded carrot, sliced green onion, salt, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed), and eggs.

How to make these chickpea nuggets

This is such an easy chickpea nuggets recipe! Preparing the recipe only takes 10 minutes, with the help of a food processor, and they’re piping hot and ready to eat after 25 minutes in the oven.

To make these nuggets, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, place a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet and set it aside.

Next, take the shredded zucchini and place it in a paper towel or clean dish towel. Squeeze the zucchini over a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible.

squeezing liquid out of zucchini with a cheesecloth

After that, place the zucchini and all the remaining ingredients in a food processor.

Ingredients for Chickpea Nuggets recipe

Pulse the chickpea mixture to combine everything. DO NOT pulse until smooth! The mixture should be a little chunky still, and easily form a ball when you squeeze it in your hands.

Chickpea Nuggets ingredients in food processor

Once everything is combined, use a measuring tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and roll it into a ball. Then, flatten and shape the ball into a nugget shape.

Chickpea Nuggets on tray ready for baking in the oven

Place the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake the chickpea nugget for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides are lightly browned.

Once they’re done, take the nuggets out of the oven and allow them to cool for ten minutes. Serve the chickpea nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

I don’t have a food processor! Can I make this recipe?

Of course! Just chop all ingredients finely, and use a potato masher or fork to squish the chickpeas.

Air Fryer Chickpea Nuggets

To make these in the air fryer, just set your air fryer to 350 and bake for 15 minutes. Check doneness, and add more time, if necessary.

Vegan Chickpea Nuggets

To make these chickpea fritters, simply substitute a vegan alternative. You can use a store bought egg, like JUST Eggs, or whip up your own substitution.

A common vegan substitute for eggs in recipes like these chickpea nuggets is to use a flax or chia egg. To make a flax or chia egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture can then be used as a replacement for each egg called for in the recipe. So in this case, you would mix 2 tablespoons of ground flax or chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water to replace the 2 large eggs.

This recipe is:

  • gluten free (be sure to use gluten free bread crumbs)
  • vegetarian
The best chickpea nuggets recipe served with fresh guacamole

Gluten Free Chickpea Nuggets

It’s easy to make these tasty little chickpea appetizers gluten free. Simply substitute regular bread crumbs for gluten free Panko, like these Jeff Nation Creations gluten free bread crumbs.

Buy gluten free breadcrumbs on Amazon here.

Variations

Looking for a different taste? Try out some of these variations. There are (almost) endless possibilities for these versatile nuggets!

Spicy Chickpea Nuggets

Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick. You could also dip the chick peas in a tasty hot sauce for an added kick. Try this TRUFF Original Black Truffle Hot Sauce for something special!

Buy TRUFF Original Black Truffle Hot Sauce on Amazon now.

Cheesy Chickpea Nuggets

Add 1/8 cup of nutritional yeast or 1/8 cup of shredded vegan cheese to the mixture for a cheesy flavor. You could also use a vegan parmesan cheese for an Italian flavor.

Curry Chickpea Nuggets

To get a curry kick, mix in 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon coriander to the mixture. Serve with a side of chutney or raita.

BBQ Chickpea Nuggets

To get a tasty BBQ flavor, mix in 2 teaspoons of BBQ seasoning for a smoky, sweet flavor. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.

Love chickpea nuggets? You might like these tasty appetizers:

Easy Homemade Chickpea Nuggets

Easy Chickpea Nuggets

Yield: 30
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Are you looking for a quick and delicious appetizer to whip up in no time? Look no further because this delicious vegan chickpea nugget recipe will be your new favorite finger food!

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained
  • ½ cup shredded zucchini
  • ½ cup shredded carrot
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs (use gluten free if needed)
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Place shredded zucchini in a paper towel or clean dish towel and squeeze over a bowl to remove as much liquid as possible.
  3. Place zucchini and all remaining ingredients in a food processor. Pulse to combine.
  4. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and roll it into a ball, and then flatten and shape it into nuggets. Place nuggets on tray, and put into preheated oven.Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to lightly brown both sides.
  5. Allow nuggets to cool for 10 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

The mixture is wet and sticky, so be sure to wet your hands if it is sticking to them too much while forming the nuggets.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 33Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 107mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

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1 comment

Missy March 19, 2023 - 9:24 am

Made these for my grandkids and they were a big hit, they even asked for seconds. Saving this easy chickpea nuggets recipe to make again.

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