Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable)
Enjoy these crispy, flavor-packed Cajun-spiced chickpeas as a healthy snack or a delicious, crunchy addition to salads.
# What You Need:
→ Chickpeas
01 - 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
→ Seasonings
02 - 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
09 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Pat the drained and rinsed chickpeas very dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with the olive oil until each chickpea is evenly coated.
04 - Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sea salt to the bowl. Toss well to ensure all chickpeas are thoroughly coated with the spice blend.
05 - Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal crisping.
06 - Roast for 35–40 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring the chickpeas once halfway through the cooking time. Continue roasting until they are golden brown and crisp to the touch.
07 - Allow the roasted chickpeas to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool down.
08 - Serve the Cajun spiced roasted chickpeas immediately as a snack or salad topping. For storage, transfer them to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- They're unbelievably crunchy, which is like the holy grail for a satisfying snack.
- It's one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, turning humble chickpeas into something spectacular with minimal effort.
02 -
- Seriously, do not underestimate the power of thoroughly drying your chickpeas; it's the *only* way to get them truly crispy.
- Forgetting to spread them in a single layer was a rookie mistake I made once, and I ended up with chewy, steamed chickpeas instead of crunchy ones.
03 -
- When tossing with oil and spices, use your hands (if clean!) for the best, most even coating; you can really feel when every chickpea is covered.
- For an even deeper flavor, let the seasoned chickpeas sit for 10-15 minutes before roasting, allowing the spices to meld.