Description
Garlic Herb Roasted Chickpeas are a crispy, flavorful, and healthy snack made by tossing canned chickpeas with olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs before roasting them to golden perfection. This simple recipe transforms pantry staples into a versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, salad topping, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess starch and canning liquid, which can interfere with crispiness.
- Dry the Chickpeas Thoroughly: Spread the rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry as much as possible. Rolling them gently can help remove extra moisture. Achieving dry chickpeas is essential for crisp roasting.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a medium-sized bowl, add the dried chickpeas, olive oil, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if using for some heat.
- Toss to Coat Evenly: Use a spoon or your hands to toss the chickpeas with the oil and spice mixture until every chickpea is thoroughly coated, ensuring even flavor and crisping.
- Spread Chickpeas on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated chickpeas in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to prevent steaming which reduces crispiness. Use two sheets if necessary.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until chickpeas are golden brown and crunchy.
- Stir Halfway Through: Remove the baking sheet about 20 minutes into roasting to stir and toss the chickpeas for even cooking and crisping, then return to the oven.
- Check for Crispiness and Adjust Roasting Time: After 30 minutes, check for desired crunch. Roast an extra 5-10 minutes if necessary, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from Oven and Cool Slightly: Once crispy, take the chickpeas out and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up further.
- Garnish (Optional) and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a snack, side, or salad topping.
Notes
- Drying chickpeas thoroughly after rinsing is critical for maximum crispiness.
- Using enough olive oil helps achieve flavorful, crunchy results.
- A high roasting temperature of 400°F (200°C) promotes crispiness.
- Spreading chickpeas in a single layer prevents steaming and ensures even roasting.
- Stirring midway through roasting ensures all sides crisp evenly.
- Roast until deeply golden brown and firm to the touch for the best texture.
- Experiment with different spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, curry powder, or Italian seasoning for new flavor profiles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days; reheat in a skillet or low oven to revive crunch.
- Dried chickpeas can be used but require soaking and cooking beforehand.
- Freezing roasted chickpeas is not recommended as it affects their texture negatively.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: roasted chickpeas, garlic herb chickpeas, healthy snack, crispy chickpeas, vegan snack, easy appetizer, Mediterranean snack, gluten-free snack
