Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable)

Crunchy chickpeas tossed with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, oven-roasted to golden perfection.

# 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 (optional, for extra heat)
08 - ½ tsp sea salt
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 (if using), 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 -
  • They somehow manage to be satisfyingly crunchy while still feeling light and wholesome
  • The spice blend hits all the right notes, smoky, savory, and just enough warmth
  • You can throw them together in under 10 minutes and forget about them while they roast
02 -
  • Drying the chickpeas thoroughly is non negotiable if you want actual crunch instead of chewy beans
  • The pan needs to be shaken halfway through or you will end up with uneven roasting and some burnt spots
  • They might seem slightly soft when you first pull them out but trust the process, they crisp up considerably while cooling
03 -
  • Make a double batch because they disappear much faster than you expect
  • Store them with a silica packet or a piece of bread if your climate is humid to maintain crunch

Return