The humble chickpea (aka garbanzo bean) becomes an addicting snack or topping in this snack-worthy creation. You might as well double the recipe because you can’t stop once you start chowing down on these crispy crunchy ranch-spiced chickpeas!
I love the crunch of crackers and chips, but they’re not usually the most nutritious snack. Crunchy chickpeas are the perfect alternative… if they’re actually crunchy. Roasting them to crispy crunchy perfection can be a little tricky. 
Tip 1: To create the flavorful crispy crunchy ranch chickpeas, start with a can (or 2, if doubling recipe) of chickpeas- rinse, drain and dry them VERY well. I lay them out on a paper towel and roll a separate paper towel over the top of them. I usually let them sit for about 10 minutes and then pat them once more. Any moisture left on the chickpeas will prevent them from getting crunchy.
Tip 2: Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet. Make sure it is large, if roasting up two cans of chickpeas. You want the chickpeas to have plenty of space and not touching. Begin roasting them in a cold oven and heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Tip 3: After 15 minutes, remove baking sheet and spray chickpeas lightly with an olive oil cooking spray or mister. You don’t want chickpeas too oily, as they will be too soggy to ever become crispy. Next, add ranch seasoning or another favorite seasoning. I love salt and cinnamon too! Gently shake or stir chickpeas around, so they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Put them back in the oven for about 15- 20 minutes more.
Tip 4: Last, but definitely not least- turn the oven off, but leave chickpeas in until oven has completely cooled. You can leave the oven door open for quicker cooling.
This isn’t a super quick recipe, but there’s very little hands-on time. Perfect for snacking and a great alternative to croutons on salads!
Because we all know that homemade is better, make your own ranch seasoning mix. Find the recipe here.
PrintCrunchy Spiced Chickpeas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: about 5 cups of crispy chickpeas 1x
Description
Crispy roasted chickpeas tossed in ranch-style seasonings make for a flavorful, crunchy snack or salad topping.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed, and dried completely
- Olive oil mist or cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning or your favorite seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven with chickpeas inside: Spread the dried chickpeas on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Place the baking sheet in a cold oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Roast the chickpeas: After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Lightly spray the chickpeas with olive oil mist or cooking spray, ensuring they are not too oily. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning or your preferred seasoning. Gently shake or stir the chickpeas to evenly coat them with oil and seasoning.
- Continue roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Cool in the oven: Turn off the oven and leave the chickpeas inside until the oven has completely cooled. For quicker cooling, you can leave the oven door open slightly.
Notes
Ensure chickpeas are completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum crunchiness. Use a large baking sheet to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent crisping. Experiment with different seasonings like salt and cinnamon for variety. Homemade ranch seasoning is recommended for the best flavor. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 0
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to dry the chickpeas very well before roasting?
Moisture on the chickpeas can prevent them from getting crispy, so it’s essential to rinse, drain, and dry them thoroughly to achieve that crunchy texture.
What should I do if I want to double the recipe for crunchy spiced chickpeas?
If doubling the recipe, ensure you use a large baking sheet so the chickpeas have plenty of space and are not touching, which helps them roast evenly.
Can I use a different seasoning instead of ranch for my chickpeas?
Yes, you can substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite seasoning blend, such as salt and cinnamon, or any other spices you prefer.
Hi Kim,
Have you made this recipe with dried beans after soaking and boiling? This looks delish! R