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I love dipping foods. Whether it’s apples in peanut butter (or allergy-friendly substitute) or carrots in hummus I’m a dipper. One of my tips to get kids to eat healthier is to provide a dip.
These Chickpea Nuggets are so good you won’t even need a dip but I’m partial to my Barbecue Sauce.
You may be thinking, Holly, we are plant-based or we have food allergies, we aren’t going near mystery nuggets. Let me stop you right there and share that these nuggets are healthy, allergy-friendly and my family LOVED them. I should probably also mention that they were easy.
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The crumb coating is what makes these work! You can use bread crumbs or corn flake crumbs. If you have food allergies make sure you find a brand that is safe for you. These gluten-free panko crumbs are a good option.
Chickpea Nuggets
Vegan and allergy-friendly Chickpea Nuggets are perfect for family meals or fun snacks.
- 1 15.5 oz. can chickpeas, drained
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp granulated onion
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 Tbsp bread crumbs or panko
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs or panko for coating
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour the drained chickpeas into a food processor and process for a few seconds.
- Then add all of the other ingredients except the last ⅓ cup bread crumbs for coating. Process a few more seconds. Everything will be well mixed and chunky texture.
- Scoop up tablespoon sized globs and roll them into balls then smash them into nugget shapes.
- Pour bread crumbs into a bowl and coat each nugget.
- Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay each nugget on the parchment but don't let them touch.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for 10 more.
- Allow nuggets to cool before eating.
This recipe makes about 20 nuggets. The four of us ate them in one sitting. Imagine a meal where everyone from the kids to the husband is happy eating the same thing.
UPDATE: I’ve had a few people who made these and they were crumbly. I’m adding the following photos to help you see what I do step by step. Hopefully it will help you come up with perfect nuggets. These photos aren’t the best but I hope they will help.
Drain your chickpeas well then pour them in a food processor.
Process them for a few seconds. They will still be very chunky. Add the spices and 1 Tbsp of corn crumbs. You will reserve the final 1/3 cup of corn crumbs for the coating.
Process the chickpeas a few more seconds. This should eliminate most of the chickpea chunks. The texture will be similar to a baked potato you mash up with your fork.
Scoop out the chickpea mixture with a spoon and roll it into a ball or oval with our hands. These should stick together well. Then you will roll them in the corn crumbs.
Lay them out on a cookie sheet and bake according to the times above.
Kim says
Hey – these look delicious, Holly. I feel a new recipe night coming up soon! 😉
Martha says
They look very similar to falafels which I love on salads. I’ll be fixing these for myself and the kids can have some if they want.
Holly says
HI Martha, They are similar but these have a crunchy outside and the flavor is quite a bit different.
Alexandra Evans says
This recipe sounds yummy! Can’t wait to try it.
Holly says
Thanks Alexandra! I hope you love them!
Strength and Sunshine says
These are so bomb!! I love it!
Holly says
We loved them! I couldn’t believe that everyone in my house loved them. That doesn’t happen often.
Adria says
They tasted good but I had a hard time getting them to stay together and the corn crumbs to stick. Should I have added a little bit of liquid? They were a bit dry and crumbly.
Holly says
I didn’t add any liquid, try processing them in the food processor a little bit longer. Mine were really sticky.
I’ll try to add some of my in-process photos.
Elaine says
I added 2 flax eggs since mine wouldn’t stick either, and it worked great!
Tammy says
I made another chckpea recipe last night and I dipped my nuggets into the drained chickpea liquid then rolled in the crumbs. It worked very well. However, I also added some vegan poultry seasoning t nuggets. I cant wait to try this recipe with the nooch added. great idea..
kirsten oliphant (@kikimojo) says
Um, these look INSANE. Like, in a good way!! Definitely want to try!
Holly says
Thanks Kirsten! My whole family loved them which says a lot. The corn crumbs make them surprisingly crisp for something that is baked. Definitely a winner in our house.
Suzanne says
What size can?
Holly says
Hi Suzanne,
I just updated the recipe to specify. We used a 15.5 oz can of chickpeas. Some can are 15 or 16 ounces, either of these will work.
I hope you enjoy it!
Tabitha says
Thanks for the recipe. Just made them – delicious! I doubled the garlic. I also had trouble getting the cornflake crumbs to stick (I actually used a mixture of cornflake crumbs, panako bread crumbs and italian seasoning). To help, I lightly dipped them in water before the corn flake crumbs and they worked perfectly. I baked them at a higher temp of 400. One issue I had was that they fell apart a bit. Each dip in ketchup left half the nugget behind! 🙂 Maybe I need to squeeze the nuggets together tighter when forming?? Thanks again, they were approved by 1/3 of my kids! 🙂 success…they never agree! 🙂
Holly says
Hi Tabitha,
I’m glad that you loved them! They are such a fun finger food to make.
I’m not sure why you had trouble keeping yours together. They could have dried out to much cooking them at 400.
Mine were really sticky before I rolled them and didn’t have trouble getting them to stick. I expect that maybe your mix was a little dryer. Next time add a few spoonfuls of liquid in while you are processing them and see if they stick together.
The Southern Corn Crumbs worked perfect for me!
Tabitha says
thanks! They’re definitely a recipe to try again!
Suukyi says
If I were to use dried chickpeas for this, would I have to boil them beforehand or soaking overnight before processing would be fine?
Holly Yzquierdo says
They would need to be cooked first. I would soak them overnight, then cook in my Instant Pot. After allowing them to cool, you could make them into this recipe.
Jen says
Sooooo crumbly!!! 🙁 next time I’ll add some water or something
Holly says
Hi Jen, I’m sorry they crumbled. This weekend I’ll add some step by step pictures. Hopefully, that will better convey the texture of the chickpea nuggets.
M says
Has anyone tried freezing these? I’m wondering if freezing them would change the flavour(in a bad way) and how long they last in the freezer? Thanks! -M
Holly says
I’ve never tried freezing them but I’m going to next time so I can report back. I don’t think they will hold up as well in the freezer though.
Keirsten says
Any update on this? I’m wondering about making a triple batch and freezing them.
Holly says
I still haven’t tried freezing them. We always finish them same day.
Agata says
Amazing idea! I tired them twice – another time I didn’t have any chickpeas on hand so I used white beans – even better I think! The only issue, don’t know why my crumbs didn’t want to stick so well as yours, so I dump nuggets in water another time in milk before coating in crumbs (I recomend trying this tip – it made them even better). Also too salty for me and my family. But in general amazing! thank you for the recipe!
Holly says
Agata, You can omit the 1/2 tsp. of salt. Also check the breadcrumbs you are using, they may contain added salt too.
I’ll often switch white beans for chickpea and usually prefer them as well. I used chickpea’s here so I could plant on the name Chickpea Nuggets instead of just vegan nuggets. I may try them with white beans next too.
Karlyn says
I think it matters what type of canned chickpea you use. Some have an agent added for texture, these chickpeas don’t mash as well. You have to boil that type first. Using dried chickpeas you coook at home, or a version with very few ingredients will have better results.
Holly says
Hi Karlyn,
Thanks for the insight! That could be true. I only buy chickpeas without extra ingredients. Usually just water and salt if I remember correctly but next time I shop I’ll look at some of the other cans. I just bought some at Sprout’s and the ingredient list was plain. I do rinse and drain them before I use them.
I’ve been experimenting with minor tweaks so I can offer more suggestions. I’ll keep my eye on ingredients though to see if I find the texture agent you mentioned.
Dolly says
I don’t have a food processor. Can I use a blender or mash by hand?
Holly says
Hi Dolly, I would start with a blender then if it needs more mashing use a fork. The biggest problem people are making it making them too moist (and maybe too big) and they fall apart.
lita says
hi, is it possible to freeze them ahead? if so, do you cook it then freeze it, or do you freeze it as is then oven bake them? thanks!
Holly says
Lita, I have not tried freezing them. I’m not sure how well they would work. Once I try it I’ll be sure to share my results.
craving nature says
Great, simple recipe! Love it!
Helen says
Can I sub the corn crumbs for something like toasted, popped aramanth, or something else?
Holly says
You could certainly try Helen but I haven’t tried any substitutions. You might need to grind them up because the corn crumbs are closer in texture to a coarse corn mean or coarse bread crumb.
mumslyann says
Thanks so much, Holly. My husband and I tried them this week, and they are delicious! Finally, something I can keep on hand for my grandchildren who tend to be finicky about vegan fare. I’m making another batch today since my daughter is bringing her kids over for dinner tonight. They love finger foods, and dipping is their favorite thing to do with food. You are a lifesaver! <3
Holly says
I’m thrilled to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy them. I hope your grandchildren do as well.
Jody says
Did you use the tortilla crumbs or cornflakes crumbs?
Holly says
I used the corn crumbs. I have the tortillas crumbs through and use them on my Enchilada Casserole.
Channa says
Hi these look amazing cant wait to try them… I want to make I advance for a dinner party. Do they freeze well?? Thank you
Holly says
I’ve never tried freezing them Channa. I’m not sure how they would work but if I try it I’ll update the recipe with more info.
Nicole says
OMG! just took them out of the oven and immediately got addicted! Thank you for sharing such an amazing recipe <3
Holly says
I’m so glad Nicole! 🙂
Amanda says
Question. ..what are they? Are the cornflakes or can I use Panky breadcrumbs? Tha3
Holly says
Hi Amanda, They are similar to corn flakes but I think they are drier and more coarse. You can try using either crushed corn flakes or Panko crumbs but I’ve never tried making the Chickpea Nuggets using them.
Cathy Dean says
If you dip these in ketchup, I think it taste just like frozen fish sticks!! I LOVED fish sticks as a kid, so I got a kick out of it 🙂 Next time I make these, I will form them into the shape of fish sticks, lol
Holly says
That is a riot Cathy! I’ve worked on a “fishy” flavor but I haven’t gotten the consistency right.
Just don’t make them too skinny because they will break.
Patty nicholson says
What is nutritional yeast?
Holly says
Hi Patty,
Here is a great post about nutritional yeast! http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2011/10/what-the-heck-is-nutritional-yeast.html
Brytanny Howard says
Has anyone tried to make these with cornmeal as a coating along with bread crumbs instead of the corn crumbs? thats all I have on hand a I want to try it that way (the rest of the recipe would be the same though)
Also thank you for posting the recipe, I’m going to try this tomorrow hopefully 🙂
Diane Spivak says
New to this site. What are corn crumbs?
Holly says
Hi Diane,
They are the product features and linked too in the post. They are similar to corn flake crumbs but uses like bread crumbs.
deby says
what are corn crumbs?
Margaret Clegg says
Could one substitute parm cheese for the nutritional yeast?
Holly says
Hi Margaret,
You could give it a try. We are dairy-free so I can’t play around with it but if you do I’d love to hear what you think.
Margaret Clegg says
Tried it with the (dry) parm cheese. Husband LOVED it! He said I could make these every week as far as he’s concerned. I’m tempted to put a more “savory” spice in it. Not sure what. Maybe even some dry massel chicken bouillon, which is actually vegetarian. Thanks again for this recipe!
Holly says
I love all the Massel flavors!
Erin says
Super cool recipe! I suggest adding mustard powder and/or turmeric as well as paprika to give it those yummy flavors that chicken nuggets usually have!
Holly says
Feel free to change it up to meet your needs. My kids aren’t fond of mustard but I like paprika.
Charlene Wilkinson Spence says
Hi, are you aware that there are McDonald ads on this page?
Holly says
Hi Charlene,
I’m sorry there was a McDonald’s ad on my site. I don’t actually control what ads are presented. Ads are typically shown to people based on their search preferences. That doesn’t mean you were searching for fast food but you could have been searching for a veggie burger or oven baked fry. Search engines and ad providers see those key words and try to show you ads based on that.
I recently tried looking up where I could find Silk yogurt in my area and got a bunch of ads for dairy yogurt.
suzanne says
We have one person allergic to several legumes: peanuts, soy, chickpeas,lentils and green peas among them. Any suggestions what else might work? This is one of the reasons I am skeptical (and that is not all of the allergies) plant-based would work for the entire family, yet the recipes look amazing and we are wanting to implement more creative ways to cook veggies.
Holly says
Legumes and tofu would be my top choice. If you are avoiding them I would go with cauliflower. Check out this recipe https://myplantbasedfamily.com/2015/05/22/bbq-cauliflower-bites
Camila says
Can I use cooked chickpeas? And if so then how much of them should I use? It could be hard to find canned chickpeas where I live but there are those packaged dried chickpeas that you boil
Holly says
Use 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas in place of a can.
Adonya says
Blessings, Holly.
How many nuggets does this recipe yield?
I am also going to substitute the crumbs for quinoa since I have heard great things about it being an awesome coating.
Anyhoo, thanks bunches in advance for your reply. 😀
Heather says
Thanks for the great recipe, I make them with oat flour instead of breadcrumbs. I’ve made them so often I don’t bother measuring anymore, and they have been an absolute lifesaver for my busy life. Thanks!
Shelley says
I don’t know what I did wrong but these did not work for me at all. They were crumbly and tasteless ☹️
Holly says
Hi Shelley,
I’m sorry these didn’t work for you. I’ve heard from so many people how much they love them and how well they turn out. Perhaps the moisture level was wrong for you. If they were too dry before coating and baking I could see them getting crumbly.
Betty Bogda says
I made these as directed, and thought they were dry and tasteless. I have noted some of the other reviewers comments and may try them again using their suggestions. I used my air fryer to cook them and they came out very crunchy on the outside, but the chickpea mixture was only saved with the dip I made. I will try again tho with modifications to try to get them a little more moist inside
Becky says
I’m a little confused. In the comments I noticed a lot of people mentioned corn crumbs. So I went back to the ingredients and it lists bread crumbs or panko but then seen where the instructions said corn crumbs. Can you use bread crumbs or panko? Also I was wondering if it would work to make them in to patties for sandwiches?
Laura says
Thank you for the recipe! I made them and I loved them! They were a little crumbly but I know now…(Can you tell I’m a doer first and then a reader) that I could just add some water. Will absolutely be making these again!
sarah says
I just made these! 15 was my yield using a tbsp spoon to scoop. I dipped them in water and used a layer of panko and breadcrumbs to fill gaps. They were pretty darn good. I appreciate the recipe!! It was easy, worked and my boyfriend loved them. I like it as is… however I am going to try subbing 1/2 quantity of chickpeas with mushroom (for chewiness), a flax egg and mustard.
Michele says
Hi. Could these be made in advance and then be reheated? If so how would you reheat?
pennysportal says
These were easy to make & tasty–thanks!
Sarah says
Hi there I was just wondering can these be frozen??
Thanks Sarah! X
Fabiana says
Só, should we use bread crumbs or corn crumbs?
Holly says
I used corn crumbs but those aren’t widely available so bread crumbs work too.
Josiah says
Thanks so much for this recipe. Let me cut to the chase: I ate 3/4 of my batch right after cooking them and I’m working on the rest. Also, I felt so good after eating them! You know how when you eat meat it tastes OK but when it hits your stomach you feel queasy? This was the opposite of that. I had a feeling of wellbeing which lasted quite awhile. Pretty cool!
I too found the mixture too dry but that was my fault. Instead of using canned chickpeas I used dried ones I’d cooked the night before. Undercooked and dry, actually.
Thanks for all your recipes!
Holly says
I’m thrilled you loved them! I also eat them right out of the pan! I can’t resist!
I love the taste of freshly made chickpeas over the canned versions but I don’t always plan far enough ahead for that.
Thanks for reading!
NICOLE CISNEROS says
Do these freeze well?
Jason says
So, the wife and I just started trying to be vegan. I have always been the guy who said “if there’s no meat, it is not a meal”. We thought these were tasty, and easy to do, and I did not step away from dinner feeling like I was missing out on anything. I appreciate all of you who have been making recipes for years sharing with those of us who are trying to find our way. Between my pickiness, and my wife’s pickiness, it is tough, but we are working our way through!
Holly says
Thanks Jason! I’m glad you enjoy them! For me, having hearty recipes is a must have to making plant-based eating work. Sounds like you are doing a great job!
Mairead says
I have three fussy eaters, out of four kids, and these look like a great way to hide some veggies and sneak them into my boys’ diets. Thanks for this great recipe.
Holly says
I hope all of your kids love them! For my son that is on the picky side of things, I have to be careful that he doesn’t think I’m trying to trick him. I call them chickpea nuggets and not chick’n nuggets or anything else like that.
Abbi says
I wasted by only can of chickpeas on this pile of crap horrible. don’t do ever!!!
Devra Ariel says
The recipe says “teaspoon-sized balls” but this seems awfully small and I’m getting way more than 20 nuggets. Could you have meant tablespoon? I mean, people have been making these for years and everyone is happy, but still. Thanks!
Holly says
Yes, you are right. We just noticed this error. It should be tablespoons. I will update it now before I forget. Thank you for mentioning it.