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Chickpea Nuggets Recipe

4.5 from 148 reviews

These crispy Chickpea Nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Made from mashed chickpeas mixed with spices and oat flour, coated in toasted panko-style bread crumbs, and baked to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying texture and flavor that’s perfect for a snack or main dish. Ideal for vegetarians and anyone seeking a protein-rich, flavorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chickpea Mixture

  • 2 cans of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

Coating

  • 3/4 cup panko style bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the bread crumbs and baking the nuggets.
  2. Toast the bread crumbs: Spread the panko-style bread crumbs evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 4 minutes until they become browned and toasty. Watch closely to prevent burning, then remove and set aside.
  3. Process chickpeas: Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas into a food processor and pulse until they achieve a flaky texture, not fully pureed.
  4. Mix the dough: Transfer the processed chickpeas to a large mixing bowl. Add the egg, oat flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and nutritional yeast. Use your hands to knead the mixture until combined into a sticky but manageable dough.
  5. Form nuggets: Shape the dough into small, nugget-sized pieces with your hands. Dip each nugget into the toasted bread crumbs, coating both sides thoroughly.
  6. Prepare for baking: Place the coated nuggets on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle any remaining toasted bread crumbs over the tops to enhance the crispy texture.
  7. Bake the nuggets: Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and have reached your desired level of crispiness.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack or meal.

Notes

  • To ensure crispiness, toast the panko bread crumbs just before mixing and coating the nuggets.
  • Adjust spices according to your taste preferences; add more paprika for a smoky flavor or extra garlic powder for more pungency.
  • Use gluten-free oat flour and bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • These nuggets can be reheated in the oven to retain their crispiness.
  • For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and confirm bread crumbs are vegan-friendly.

Keywords: chickpea nuggets, vegetarian nuggets, baked snacks, healthy nuggets, plant-based protein