Chickpeas are more than just a base for your favorite hummus—they’re a versatile ingredient that can transform any meal. From spicy snacks to hearty dinners, chickpeas add a punch of protein and flavor that’s hard to beat. Here are 21 creative ways to incorporate chickpeas into your cooking, proving that there’s much more to this humble legume than you might think!

A bowl of curry with rice and vegetables.
Winter Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea pesto sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate.
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chickpea pesto sandwich uses smashed chickpeas for a hearty, flavorful filling that’s a great twist on the usual lunch options.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

BBQ roasted chickpeas on a white plate.
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Swap out your usual snack for these crispy BBQ roasted chickpeas. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for snacking on the go.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-skillet meal combines turmeric chicken with chickpeas for a hearty dinner you can get on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

Spicy chickpea bacon burgers with arugula and chips on the side.
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mix up burger night with these spicy chickpea burgers. They’re loaded with flavor and a great way to make a meat-free meal exciting.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Love Kung Pao? Try this vegetarian version using chickpeas. It’s packed with bold flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas

Cinnamon crunch roasted chickpeas in a bowl with more scattered around.
Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chickpeas are roasted with cinnamon and maple syrup for a sweet treat that mimics the flavor of cinnamon crunch cereal.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas

Chickpea Vegetable Curry

A bowl of curry with rice and vegetables.
Chickpea Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chickpea curry is full of veggies and chickpeas, making it a filling dinner that proves you don’t need meat to be satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Vegetable Curry

Chickpea Noodle Soup

A bowl of vegetable and chickpea soup with couscous, garnished with chopped parsley, served with a spoon.
Chickpea Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

This comforting soup uses chickpeas and vegetables for a veggie-packed version of the classic chicken noodle.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Noodle Soup

Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A bagel sandwich with poppy seeds, filled with egg salad and fresh greens, cut in half and stacked on a white background.
Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Smashed chickpea and avocado make for a creamy, filling sandwich spread that’s ready in minutes and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpea Salad

A bowl of chickpea salad with diced red onions, tomatoes, and parsley, served on a blue-striped cloth with fresh herbs nearby.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Packed with fresh flavors and herbs, this chickpea salad is light and healthy, perfect for a quick meal or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

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5-Minute Chickpea Chopped Salad

5-Minute Chickpea Chopped Salad. Photo credit: My Everyday Table.

Need a quick side? This chickpea chopped salad comes together in just 5 minutes and goes great with any meal.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Chickpea Chopped Salad

Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of breaded chicken nuggets served with a side of ketchup.
Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

These chickpea nuggets are a fun, soy-free option for kids and adults alike. Crispy and browned, they’re a hit at any family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Soup

A bowl of lentil soup garnished with parsley and a dollop of yogurt, served with a lemon wedge.
Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Spicy and hearty, this Moroccan soup blends lentils, chickpeas, and brown rice for a robust meal that’ll keep you warm.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Soup

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

A plate of mediterranean salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, served with a side of dressing.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Quick to make and bursting with flavors, this Mediterranean chickpea salad is a fantastic choice for a healthy and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Slow Cooker Butter Chickpeas with Tofu

A bowl of chana masala with tofu, served with basmati rice and garnished with fresh herbs, accompanied by a piece of naan bread.
Slow Cooker Butter Chickpeas with Tofu. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, these butter chickpeas are a comforting dish perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chickpeas with Tofu

Creamy Chickpea Tortellini Soup

A fresh salad featuring crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, chickpeas, and drizzled with a creamy dressing, garnished with herbs and spices.
Creamy Chickpea Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Ready in less than an hour, this chickpea tortellini soup is a comforting, veggie-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tortellini Soup

Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

This sheet pan dinner roasts chickpeas, broccoli, and potatoes with a spicy sauce for a full meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

This chickpea salad sandwich is a fresh alternative to classic tuna salad, using chickpeas for a plant-based lunch that packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup

Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

This lemon chickpea orzo soup is a light, refreshing take on traditional soups, with a plant-based twist that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup

Weeknight Chickpea Noodle Soup

Weeknight Chickpea Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Perfect for a quick dinner, this noodle soup features chickpeas as a hearty, nourishing alternative to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Chickpea Noodle Soup

Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

These quick and easy lettuce wraps feature spicy buffalo chickpeas for a light meal or a fun appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

A woman in a denim jacket sitting in a kitchen, with a sidebar nearby.
Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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