Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable Version)
Crunchy chickpeas toasted with bold Cajun spices for a flavorful, protein-rich snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 2 cups chickpeas (one 15 oz can), drained and rinsed thoroughly
02 - 1½ tablespoons olive oil
→ Cajun Spice Blend
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
07 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
08 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat drained chickpeas very dry with paper towels. Remove any loose skins for extra crispiness.
03 - Place chickpeas in a bowl and toss with olive oil until evenly coated.
04 - In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sea salt.
05 - Sprinkle spice blend over chickpeas and toss well to coat evenly.
06 - Spread seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Roast for 30-35 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
08 - Allow chickpeas to cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- They get impossibly crunchy without any deep frying or mysterious ingredients
- The spice blend hits that perfect spot between warm and actually spicy
- They keep for days so you can batch cook and snack all week
02 -
- Removing the loose skins makes an enormous difference in the final texture
- They keep getting crunchier as they cool so do not judge them hot from the oven
- Shaking the pan halfway prevents burning and ensures even roasting
03 -
- Make a double batch because they disappear faster than you expect
- If they start losing crunch after a few days pop them back in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes