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!

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Packed with fresh flavors and herbs, this chickpea salad is light and healthy, perfect for a quick meal or a side dish.
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5-Minute Chickpea Chopped Salad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.