Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable)

Crunchy chickpeas coated in bold Cajun spices, ideal for savory snacks or salad toppings.

# What You Need:

→ Main Ingredients

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

→ Cajun Spice Blend

02 - 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
07 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
08 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly. Pat completely dry with paper towels, removing excess moisture to ensure optimal crispiness.
03 - Transfer dried chickpeas to a mixing bowl. Add olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt over chickpeas. Toss thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
05 - Spread seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring none overlap for even roasting.
06 - Roast for 35 to 40 minutes. Shake the baking sheet halfway through cooking time. Continue until chickpeas are golden brown, crispy throughout, and slightly darkened at edges.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Chickpeas will achieve maximum crunch as they cool. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're impossibly crispy and satisfying, like tiny nuts but with way more flavor
  • The spice blend keeps in a jar so you can make these on repeat with zero effort
  • Perfect for movie nights, salad toppers, or just standing at the counter eating them warm
02 -
  • Drying the chickpeas thoroughly is the difference between crispy snacks and sad, soft beans. I use multiple paper towels and really press down
  • They might seem slightly soft when you first pull them from the oven, but that cooling period is where the crunch develops
03 -
  • If you want extra heat without losing balance, add a pinch more cayenne after roasting rather than before
  • These freeze surprisingly well, so making a double batch and stashing some means you're always prepared for snack attacks

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