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Sweet, savory, and irresistibly crunchy, these honey roasted chickpeas are a healthier, satisfying snack that delivers it all! With a delightful balance of crispy texture and rich, caramelized honey flavor, this toasted chickpeas recipe is the perfect nutrient-rich alternative to chips and makes an excellent crunchy topping for salads, soups, and more. Best of all, you’ll need just 5 ingredients to make it!

“There’s so many ways to enjoy these tasty, crispy chickpeas. Perfect snack and a great way to add crunch to almost any sweet or savory dish! I really love them on your butternut squash salad! Thanks for another great recipe!”

– Melinda
Overhead photo of honey roasted chickpeas with a ramekin of honey next to the garbanzo beans.

Update: This recipe was originally published in February 2019. I made updates to the post below to include more information this oven roasted chickpeas snack.

Hi, friends. If you’re looking for a sweet and perfectly crunchy snack recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Because today were are making the most snack-tastic little chickpeas that are equal parts delicious, healthy, and easy! These toasted garbanzos are blissfully crunchy on the outside and perfectly creamy and tender on the inside. Hungry? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

About this chickpea snack recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s perfectly sweet and savory with a satisfying crunch, look no further than these honey roasted chickpeas. Oven roasted to crispy golden perfection, each bite shatters with a delightful crunch while the warming ginger and honey glaze provides a rich, caramelized sweetness that hits all the right notes. 

They’re a delicious, healthier alternative to chips, with none of the guilt and all of the flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own or tossed over salads, like this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken and this Grinder Salad recipe for extra crunch, these crunchy roasted chickpeas are sure to become your new go-to snack.

Why this recipe works 

Unassuming and easy, this honey roasted chickpea snack recipe is absolutely moreish! Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Only 5 ingredients. These sweet chickpeas are incredibly easy to make and require simple pantry ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Crispy, Crunchy Perfection. Each chickpea is perfectly roasted, creating an irresistible crunch that satisfies your snack cravings.
  • Sweet & Savory Balance. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances out the subtle earthiness of the chickpeas, while a hint of ginger brings extra depth of warming flavor.
  • Healthy and Wholesome. Chickpeas are a nutritional powerhouse, offering protein, fiber, and a low glycemic index. This toasted chickpea snacks recipe is a much healthier alternative to store-bought chips or sugary snacks.
  • Customizable. You can easily adjust the sweetness or experiment with spices like cayenne, paprika, or cinnamon for a unique twist on this already flavorful snack.
Overhead photo of canned, drained chickpeas, honey, kosher salt, ground ginger, and oil neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for honey roasted chickpeas

Are you ready to seriously impress your friends and family with these bite-size crunchy chickpea snacks?! Here’s everything you need:

  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans). With a mild, nutty flavor and a firm, hearty texture that becomes irresistibly crunchy when roasted. For this recipe, canned chickpeas are the quickest option. If you choose dried chickpeas, make sure to soak and cook them fully before roasting for the best texture.
  • Olive Oil. Brings a mild richness and helps the chickpeas crisp up to a perfect golden crunch. 
    • Substitution: A natural, high heat oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, also work great.
  • Salt. Kosher salt or flakey sea salt brings balance to the sweetness of the honey, enhancing the flavor of the chickpeas and helping all the flavors come together. Be sure to avoid table salt, which can be overly processed and harsh.
  • Honey. Provides a rich, natural sweetness that caramelizes during roasting, glazing the chickpeas and helping them develop a perfect glossy, golden finish. Look for raw or unfiltered honey to get the purest flavor. If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar work just as well as a sweetener in this chickpea snack recipe.
  • Ground Ginger. Lends a warm, zesty kick with subtle citrus notes that complement the sweetness of the honey. If you’re using ground ginger, make sure it’s fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
    • Substitution: Warming ground cinnamon is a terrific alternative. 

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Honey Roasted Chickpeas: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the honey mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
  • Maple Roasted Chickpea Snack: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweet flavor.
  • Lemon and Herb Toasted Chickpeas: Stir the zest of lemon and a little rosemary or thyme into the honey to give this toasted chickpea recipe a fresh, herbaceous twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas Snack: For a dessert-like version, add cinnamon and a little brown sugar to the honey mix.
  • Savory Oven Chickpeas. This sweet chick pea snack can easily be turned into a savory recipe by replacing the honey and cinnamon with a different spice blend (store-bought or homemade), such as powdered ranch seasoning and dry cajun seasoning.
Overhead photo of raw chickpeas seasoned with kosher salt and olive oil on a baking pan.

How to make chickpea snacks

This sweet toasted chickpea recipe is a snap to prepare. Here’s how:

  1. Preheat Oven. Arrange oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Oven Dry Chickpeas. Spread the chickpeas out on a rimmed baking sheet. Place chickpeas in the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until chickpeas are completely dry.
  3. Toss Dried Chickpeas with Oil and Salt. Remove chickpeas from oven and drizzle with oil and then sprinkle with salt. Use a large spoon to stir and evenly coat the chickpeas. Then, spread the chickpeas out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast Chickpeas in Oven. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 18-20 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan halfway through baking.
  5. While Chickpeas are Roasting, Make Honey Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and the ground ginger. Then set the honey aside.
  6. Toss Toasted Chickpeas with Honey. Drizzle the ginger honey over the chickpeas and then use a spoon to stir and toss the ingredients until the chickpeas are thoroughly coated with the honey glaze. Then spread them back out in an even layer. 
  7. Roast Chickpeas with Honey. Return the chickpeas to the oven and continue to roast for 6-8 minutes, or until chickpeas are crunchy and the honey is caramelized.
  8. Enjoy Toasted Chickpea Recipe. Sprinkle your crispy honey roasted chickpeas snack with flakey salt and enjoy now or later.

Expert tips to ensure the most success!

  1. Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly. The drier your chickpeas, the crispier they’ll get when roasted. After draining and rinsing canned chickpeas, use a towel to pat them dry. If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure they’re well-drained after soaking and cooking.
  2. Use the Right Amount of Oil. Olive oil helps the chickpeas crisp up and ensures that the honey and spices coat evenly. But, don’t overdo it—use just enough to lightly coat the chickpeas. Too much oil can make them greasy instead of crunchy.
  3. Roast at a High Temperature. Toasting the chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) ensures that they get crispy on the outside without drying out too much on the inside.
  4. Stir Regularly. You’ll be instructed to stir the chickpeas at a few different times while they’re roasting. This ensures that they roast evenly on all sides, achieving a consistent, crunchy texture.
  5. Season at the End of Roasting. Make sure you don’t add any seasonings (other than salt) until the end of roasting the chickpeas. If you add seasonings early on they’ll burn in the oven.
  6. Experiment with Spices. Pantry spices and seasonings are the easiest way to elevate the flavor profile of this chickpea snack. Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a sweet-spicy kick. Be sure to adjust to your preferences and stir them into the honey – and not into the oil. (If you add them to the oil, they’ll burn. See tip number 5.)
  7. Cool 5 Minutes on Pan. Once the chickpeas are done toasting in the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes on the pan and then remove them to a plate, bowl, or storage container. Letting the chickpeas cool on the pan will help them crisp up. But don’t leave them on the pan for too long or the honey will cause them to stick to the pan.
Overhead photo of chickpeas toast with honey in a baking pan.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you’re using dried chickpeas, just be sure to soak and fully cook them prior to making this toasted chickpea recipe. Then, once cooked, follow the same steps for drying, seasoning, and roasting.

How to get roasted chickpeas extra crunchy?

The key to crispy roasted chickpeas is to dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and oven roasting. After rinsing the canned chickpeas, pat them dry with a towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, you’ll spread them out on a baking sheet and dry them out completely in the oven before tossing with oil and toasting to crunchy perfection. This two-prong drying process is KEY to ultra-crispy, perfectly crunchy chickpeas. Why? The more moisture you remove from the sweet roasted chickpeas, the crispier they will get. 

Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?

For sure! Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, or the combination of cayenne pepper and garlic powder all work great with mild flavored chickpeas. And you can also use dry spice mixes for ease and convenience. Anything from Greek seasonings and Italian seasonings to Caribbean jerk seasonings and fajita seasonings work great here. Just be sure not to overwhelm the chickpeas with too many spices—start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

How can I make these chickpeas without honey?

If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey. Both will provide the same sweetness and similar caramelization, without compromising the flavor.

Can I make these toasted chickpeas spicy?

Yes, you can! If you like a spicy-sweet combo, try adding a little cayenne pepper or chili powder to the honey mixture. The heat from the spices pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.

What’s the best way to store roasted chickpeas?

Once your chickpeas have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy for up to a week. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as that will make them soggy.

How do I prevent chickpeas from burning during toasting?

To avoid burning, make sure to stir the chickpeas as indicated in the recipe card, around every 10 minutes, to ensure even toasting. Also, be sure to check them towards the end of the cooking time and reduce the temperature if needed. Every oven is different, so just keep an eye on them.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! You can make this honey chickpea snack recipe in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Just be sure to dry the chickpeas well before air frying for the crispiest texture.

How do I know when the chickpeas are toasted?

The chickpeas are done when they’re golden brown and crispy to the touch. Taste one to check the crunchiness. If they still feel soft, continue roasting for a few more minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Close-up photo of crunchy, sweet, oven roasted chickpeas.

Serving sweet roasted chickpeas

When it comes to serving toasted chickpeas, the sky really is the limit. Below are a few different things you can do with this homemade roasted chickpea snack recipe:

Common serving suggestions

  • Enjoy as a Snack. Serve honey roasted chickpeas on their own for a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack. Their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch makes them a great option for mid-day munching.
  • Top Your Salad. Swap out the homemade croutons for honey garbanzos and add them to salads, like blt salads, for extra crunch.
  • Serve with Yogurt. Sprinkle crunchy toasted chickpeas over whipped Greek yogurt with juicy sugared fruits for a satisfying snack or breakfast. The sweetness from the honey pairs wonderfully with the tang of the yogurt.
  • Topper for Dips and Hummus. Scatter crispy chickpeas over your favorite dip and hummus recipes, like this hummus dinner, taco spiced hummus, sweet potato hummus, avocado hummus, spinach hummus or carrots dips.
  • Top Soups Right Before Serving. Add texture and flavor to your favorite soups, like chickpeas soup recipe.
  • Pair with Cheese. Create a quick and easy appetizer by serving this toasted chickpea recipe alongside various cheeses. Their sweetness complements the sharpness of cheeses like cheddar, goat cheese, or baked brie cheese excellently.

Unique Serving Suggestions

  • Add to Bowls or Grain Dishes. Toss this crispy chickpea snack into grain bowls or quinoa salads for a delightful crunch. They add texture to any dish with rice, pearl couscous, or farro, while bringing a touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors.
  • Toss with Buttery Noodles. Toss crispy, flavorful chickpeas with buttery pasta noodles for an easy meal. I personally love tossing them with buttery noodles and serving them with this chickpea piccata recipe.
  • Garnish Curries. Add toasted garbanzos as a garnish to the top of all your favorite curries, like this Coconut Curry Rice, Chicken Curry Salad, and Thai Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk.
  • Filling in Pitas and Tacos. Toss roasted chickpeas inside warm, fluffy pitas or crispy taco shells with roasted or sautéed veggies, like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious vegetarian lunch.
  • Topping for Pizzas, Baked Potatoes and More. Use this toasted chickpea recipe to add crunchy texture to literally anything, from baked potatoes to pizzas, oatmeal, chia pudding, and more. for a punch of crunch and protein.
Overhead photo of roasted chickpea snack on a white baking pan with a ramekin of honey next to the chickpeas.

Storing leftovers

Store in an Airtight Container. After your roasted chickpeas snack recipe has cooled completely, transfer them to a brown paper bag or airtight container to maintain their crispiness. This will help keep them fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.

Storage Tip: Place the container in a cool, dry place like a pantry or kitchen counter. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this will make the chickpeas lose their crunch. Humidity will soften the chickpeas, so make sure they’re stored in a location with low moisture.

Freezing instructions

Freezing roasted chickpeas would likely result in a loss of crunch due to the moisture that forms during the freezing and thawing process. Roasted chickpeas, unlike some snacks, don’t hold up well to freezing because they can become soggy once thawed.

Action photo of a spoon scooping crunchy roasted chickpeas from a white serving bowl.

Perfect for snacking or adding a boost of protein and flavor to boring meals, this sweet roasted chickpea snack recipe is satisfyingly crunchy and delightfully delicious! Grab a can of chickpeas from your pantry and get ready to transform them into something magical today. Until next week friends, cheers – to the humble little chickpea.

Cheyanne

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More easy chickpea snacks!

If you love these baked garbanzo beans, try one of these delicious recipes next:

Overhead photo of roasted chickpea snack on a white baking pan with a ramekin of honey next to the chickpeas.

Chickpea Snack Recipe: Crunchy Honey Roasted Chickpeas

5 from 3 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 37 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Sweet, savory, and irresistibly crunchy, these honey roasted chickpeas are a healthier, satisfying snack that delivers it all! With a delightful balance of crispy texture and rich, caramelized honey flavor, this toasted chickpeas recipe is the perfect nutrient-rich alternative to chips and makes an excellent crunchy topping for salads, soups, and more. Best of all, you'll need just 5 ingredients to make it!

Equipment

  • 1 Large Rimmed Baking Sheet

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Arrange oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Oven Dry Chickpeas: Spread the chickpeas out on a rimmed baking sheet. Place chickpeas into the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until chickpeas are completely dry.
  • Toss Dried Chickpeas with Oil and Salt: Remove chickpeas from oven and give them a good stir.
    Then, drizzle the oil over the dried chickpeas and season with the salt. Use a large spoon or your hands and toss/stir until the chickpeas are evenly coat with the oil.
    Spread the chickpeas back out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
  • Roast Chickpeas in Oven: Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 10 minutes.
    Remove the chickpeas from the oven and shake the pan vigorously to stir the chickpeas.
    Return them to the oven and continue to roast for 8-10 minutes, or until chickpeas are golden brown and fairly crunchy.
  • While Chickpeas are Roasting, Make Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and the ground ginger. Then, set the honey aside.
  • Toss Toasted Chickpeas with Honey: Remove the chickpeas from oven and give them a good stir.
    Then push the chickpeas to the center of the pan and drizzle the ginger honey over them. Use a spoon to stir and toss the ingredients until the chickpeas are thoroughly coated, then spread them back out in an even layer. 
  • Roast Chickpeas with Honey: Return the chickpeas to the oven and continue to roast for 6-8 minutes, or until chickpeas are crunchy and the honey is caramelized.
    (Optional: For even crispier chickpeas, turn the oven off after roasting and give the pan a good shake. Then allow the chickpeas to sit in the warm oven for an additional 2-4 minutes.)
  • Enjoy Chickpea Snack Recipe: Sprinkle the oven roasted chickpeas with flakey salt and stir well. Enjoy immediately or store your snack for later.

Notes

  • Drying Garbanzo Beans: To get truly crispy chickpeas you need to rinse, drain, and thoroughly dry the canned chickpeas well! I recommend rinsing and draining the chickpeas then transferring them to a dish towel or thick layer of paper towels to pat them dry. The more moisture you remove from the chickpeas, the crispier they will be.
  • Removing Chickpea Skins: While removing the skin from the chickpeas will ensure crispier roasted chickpeas, you don’t have to painstakingly remove all the skin if you do not want to. Simply remove and discard any excess skin that comes off while you are thoroughly drying the chickpeas.
  • Storage: Crispy chickpeas will keep in a paper bag or a container on the counter for 4-5 days. Leave the lid on the container cracked open to prevent moisture buildup and to keep the chickpeas crispy.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
  • Yield: About 1 cup
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal    Carbohydrates: 37g    Protein: 9g    Fat: 6g    Sodium: 7mg    Potassium: 309mg    Fiber: 8g    Sugar: 13g    Vitamin A: 30IU    Vitamin C: 1.4mg    Calcium: 52mg    Iron: 3.1mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

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