Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printer-friendly)

Boldly seasoned chickpeas roasted to crispy perfection with smoked paprika and Cajun spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Seasonings & Oils

02 - 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
08 - ½ tsp sea salt
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat the chickpeas dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for crispiness.
03 - In a large bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Roast for 35–40 minutes, shaking or stirring the pan halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
06 - Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. The chickpeas will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These chickpeas deliver that satisfying crunch we all crave without any processed ingredients
  • They come together in under 10 minutes of active prep time but taste like something from a gourmet snack aisle
  • The spice blend hits every flavor note, smoky, savory, with a gentle warmth that builds
02 -
  • Removing the thin skins from each chickpea takes extra time but produces the most incredibly crunchy result, almost like a nut
  • These chickpeas soften over time, so they're best enjoyed within the first day for maximum texture
  • The seasoning might seem generous, but chickpeas are mild and need that bold spice coating to taste truly flavorful
03 -
  • Set a timer for halfway through roasting because shaking the pan is absolutely crucial for even browning
  • If your chickpeas aren't crispy after 40 minutes, give them another 5 minutes and check again, as oven temperatures can vary