Garlic Herb Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy, savory, and lightly spiced, these Garlic Herb Roasted Chickpeas make a protein-packed, fiber-rich snack or salad topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for quick snacking, meal prep, or adding extra texture to your favorite dishes.
Equipment
- 1 Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried thoroughly
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Crisping: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (205°C). Preheating is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that the chickpeas roast evenly and develop a satisfying crunch. While the oven warms, prepare your baking sheet and ingredients. Using a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper will prevent the chickpeas from rolling around and ensure they roast uniformly.
- Prepare the Chickpeas Thoroughly: Open the can of chickpeas, then drain them in a colander. Rinse under cold running water to remove any canned taste and excess sodium. Once rinsed, it’s essential to dry them completely—moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat the chickpeas gently with a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. For best results, remove any loose skins that peel off easily, as these can burn during roasting and affect texture.
- Coat Chickpeas in Olive Oil: Transfer the dried chickpeas into a small mixing bowl. Drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Use a spatula or your hands to toss them until every chickpea has a light, even coating. The oil not only helps the spices adhere but also contributes to the golden, crunchy exterior that makes these chickpeas irresistible.
- Add Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt over the oiled chickpeas. Toss thoroughly, making sure each chickpea is coated with the herb and spice mixture. This step is important for building flavor—take your time to mix well, ensuring no chickpea is left bland. You can also adjust the seasoning at this stage to suit your taste.
- Arrange Chickpeas for Even Roasting: Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; leaving space between the chickpeas allows hot air to circulate and ensures every piece becomes crisp rather than steaming in its own moisture. Using a rimmed baking sheet helps contain them while they bake.
- Roast Chickpeas – First Interval: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the chickpeas will begin to dry out and develop a lightly golden color. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary. The aroma of garlic and herbs will start filling your kitchen, signaling the flavors are infusing beautifully.
- Shake and Rotate for Even Crunch: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Shake the pan or use a spatula to turn the chickpeas so they roast evenly on all sides. This step is crucial because it ensures consistent crispiness and prevents burning on one side. Then return the pan to the oven for the second roasting interval.
- Roast Chickpeas – Second Interval: Bake for an additional 15 minutes. By now, the chickpeas should be golden brown and crunchy on the outside while remaining slightly tender inside. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can extend the roasting time by a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid over-roasting. The smell of toasted herbs and garlic should be rich and inviting.
- Cool Chickpeas Completely: Once baked to your desired crunch, remove the chickpeas from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling is essential because the chickpeas continue to harden slightly as they come to room temperature, giving you that perfect crisp bite.
- Serve or Store for Later Enjoyment: Enjoy the chickpeas immediately as a snack, salad topping, or side dish. If storing, transfer completely cooled chickpeas to an airtight container. They stay crunchy for several days at room temperature, making them ideal for meal prep or on-the-go snacking. For added flavor variation, you can experiment with paprika, cumin, or chili powder at this stage.
Notes
- Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting to ensure maximum crunch.
- Remove any loose skins that detach easily; they tend to burn.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent chickpeas from rolling.
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer for even cooking.
- Adjust herbs and spices to customize flavor profiles.
- Allow chickpeas to cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness.
- Ideal for quick snacking, meal prep, or salad toppings.