27 Delicious Chickpea Recipes That Make the Most of Garbanzo Beans
The good-for-you canned bean gets dinner done.
A pantry stocked with healthy canned food, including chickpeas, is a great starting place for tons of fast, easy, and healthy chickpea recipes. The protein-packed pantry staple is perfect for vegan recipes, and the tender, buttery bean soaks up any flavors you pair it with. A pot of leisurely cooked, dried beans may be a glorious thing, but the convenience and ease of good ol’ canned chickpeas just can’t be beat.
So, what can you make from chickpeas? From Indian-inspired chickpea curries to crunchy, roasted chickpeas, the versatile legume (also called a garbanzo bean) makes a hearty plant-based dinner, satisfying lunch, or salty snack. Toss cold chickpeas into your favorite potluck salad recipes to turn them into a filling main, or bake chickpeas alongside sheet-pan chicken to soak up all those flavorful pan juices. Spoon a comforting chickpea stew over sticky white rice for a cozy meal that tastes even better when enjoyed on the couch in sweatpants.
Are canned chickpeas good for you?
Not only are canned chickpeas good for you, these little legumes are practically nutritional powerhouses. Packed with protein, fiber, folate, and iron, they’re one of the healthiest things you’ll find on the shelf. They’re also rich in carbohydrates, so they’ll turn ultra creamy for a blended soup or chunky stew — and give you energy all day long. Try using chickpeas instead of potatoes for a carb change-up that’s higher in fiber and protein. Or, blend them together to make the best hummus (and healthiest snack) you’ve ever had. Chickpea flour is gluten-free (hooray!) and gives a slightly nutty taste to your favorite flourless recipes. For a soup or salad, chickpeas make a nutritious add-in that finally makes your midweek lunch filling and satisfying. Let’s crack open a can, shall we?
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Roasted red peppers give this easy homemade hummus a boost of vitamin C and beta-carotene — not to mention a gorgeous color!
Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar
Who knew healthy eating could be so practical? Just shake up all the ingredients in the jar and it's ready to eat.
Get the recipe for Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar »
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Grilled Eggplant With Chickpea Croutons
We might prefer these crispy croutons made with chickpea flour over the original (gasp!). Bonus: they're gluten-free.
Get the recipe for Grilled Eggplant with Chickpea Croutons »
Chickpea and Kale Soup
All the comfort of tomato soup, plus chickpeas and kale, make this a hearty vegetarian meal. The cheesy topping makes it extra cozy!
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Soup »
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Greek Salad Wraps
Meet your new go-to lunch: veggies, feta, and chickpeas make a protein-packed midday meal.
Get the recipe for Greek Salad Wraps »
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Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
Spicy, smoky harissa sauce is the secret to this 5-ingredient, one-pan meal (yes, you heard that right).
Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni With Smoky Bread Crumbs
Three ingredient powerhouses — smoked paprika, chorizo, and Manchego cheese — create a triple-threat of flavor in this craveworthy pasta recipe.
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Kale Rigatoni with Smoky Bread Crumbs »
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Tahini-Lemon Quinoa With Asparagus Ribbons
Shaved asparagus is our new favorite way to prep the spring produce. And lemony marinated chickpeas make the perfect pairing!
Get the recipe for Tahini-Lemon Quinoa with Asparagus Ribbons »
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Mediterranean Hummus Egg Smash
Easy, homemade hummus takes this filling, flavorful brunch star to the next level.
Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup
The pistachio, apricot, and couscous topping gives this sweet and spicy soup a little extra texture.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup »
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Veggie Niçoise Pitas
Sometimes lunch can be as easy (and tasty!) as veggies packed into a pita with a spoonful of creamy hummus. What more could we ask for?
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Brush chicken breast with harissa and honey for the easiest-ever marinade that tastes like waaay more work.
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken Kabobs »
RELATED: 60+ Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
Chickpea "Nuts"
Snacking made healthy? Yes, please! Try the BBQ flavor on smashed avocado flatbread.
Spanish Chorizo Stew
Spicy Spanish chorizo gives this healthy stew a flavorful kick.
Crunchy Chickpea Kale Caesar
Move over, croutons. Crispy, salty chickpeas make the perfect topper to this classic kale caesar.
Get the recipe for Crunchy Chickpea Kale Caesar »
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Moroccan Meatballs With Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas
The meatballs are spiced with cumin, allspice, and cinnamon for a North African-inspired dinner that makes ace leftovers.
Marinated Chickpea Greek Salad
This all-in-one salad is the easy, portable lunch of our dreams.
Get the recipe from Woman's Day »
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Buffalo Hummus
Craving buffalo chicken dip on a constant basis? Us too. This vegetarian hummus version lightens it up!
Three-Bean Salad
This picnic classic gets an upgrade with zesty orange vinaigrette and bright cherry tomatoes.
Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas
It's true: everything taste better in a pita pocket. This tangy, garlicky recipe is no exception.
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