Pan-Fried Cajun Chickpeas

In my opinion chickpeas can be rather bland if not seasoned and cooked appropriately.  Some people I know (who shall remain nameless) can just pop these beans right in their mouth as is but yours truly needs something more, just a smidgen more added before I can truly enjoy them. As you continue to see chickpeas grace more everyday dishes like salads, pasta, burgers and yes even some desserts (yes, its true just see for yourself) I thought it would be fun to turn the normally mealy legume into a nice little crunchy treat. I am not one to go straight to the can of chickpeas for my latest sweet craving but I can happily say that by pan frying this little balls of goodness and tossing them in a flavor induced concoction of spices, your average chickpea morfs into the most flavorful and healthy snack you can feel good about eating.

Now there is no trick to this madness and it is as simple as tossing the chickpeas into a bowl of deliciousness (seasonings) and throwing them into a pan with some oil. They are spicy, crunchy and full of flavor. The chickpeas almost mimic the crunch of a nice thick chip but without all the guilt all thanks to a perfect combination of flour and spices that adhere nicely to the chickpeas before they are lightly fried.

With all that said, there is nothing left for me to say except put down the mouse, open up a can of chickpeas and treat yourself to a fun and tasty treat! Did I mention the kids will go crazy for these!

Note: Omit cayenne pepper if heat is not your thing!

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Pan-Fried Cajun Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 can of chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)

1 1/2 TBSP of flour

3 tsp cajun seasoning ( I used Slap your Mama)

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp kosher salt or more to taste

1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper or more to taste

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

3 TBSP of Devo Olive Oil

Directions:

Drain the chickpeas and pat dry. Mix together the spices and flour until well blended. Roll the chickpeas around in the mixture and shallow fry the beans in batches using the olive oil. Season with extra kosher salt and ENJOY! Will save in a ziploc bag or container for up to 1 week.

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57 comments

  1. Joanne

    In general, I am definitely one of those people who can eat chickpeas as is…but a bit of spice is always welcome! These look awesome!

  2. Dzoli

    I love etaing cheakpeas liek this..That is one of my favourite snacks.And you after making these know why;)

  3. kelli

    I havent been a fan of Chickpeas and like yourself I think it all had to do with the bland flavor they were boring and plain. I think this is a great way to do them and add wonderful flavor to the Chickpeas. Great idea girl!

  4. Cool Gal

    I’ve never had chickpeas this way. What a fun and healthy snack!

  5. Shawn

    Tonight with margaritas on my porch!

  6. Alli

    I adore chickpeas. I have been roasting them with sea salt but after seeing this recipe I realize I am a bore. I need to kick it up.

  7. Candace

    I love chickpeas in all sorts of things but I admit that I’m not a fan of them by themselves. I’m from Louisiana like you are. What do we ever eat that is not coated with a bunch of spices? We like a lot of flavor! I have been meaning to roast some up and give them a try; but haven’t yet. I love that you’ve done these in a pan. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing this with us. I am encouraged to give them a try myself. Have a great weekend!

  8. Greg

    Ha, I can do that with chickpeas. But seasoned like this does sound even more tempting! If only I’d seen this last night before starting to make hummus and realizing too late, no tahini!

  9. Erica

    Im one of those crazies who loves them straight from the can! But i would never turn down something delicious like this either! I can think of a ton of uses for these!!

  10. Velva

    This is a really good snack idea. If I can get my son to enjoy them, even better. I really enjoy chick peas. I need to make this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    Velva

  11. Food Glorious Food

    Great snack idea! I love it spicy and will not cut back the Cayenne pepper!! Thanks for sharing dear!

  12. Jessica @ Cajunlicious

    Jessica, I love these! I baked some like this, but pan fried sound amazing!!!

  13. Biren @ Roti n Rice

    I am a big fan of chickpeas! I like them out of the can…ooops! 😀 Will have to try out your shallow fry version. Sounds really tasty! Also just checked out your Facebook fan page. Good to see you there 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!

  14. Torrie @ a place to share...

    I love this because I’m the same way when it comes to chickpeas. I have a can (just one) sitting in my pantry right now! A perfect protein-filled snack for the kids!!

  15. daphne

    I munch on roasted chickpeas at work- store bought..and NOW i know how to do it at home! thanks for sharing.

  16. Eva

    I love chick peas too! What a nice change for a snack. Delicious!

  17. Bonnie

    I think this will be a nosh that will surpass a bowl of nuts!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

  18. Rinku Naveen

    Love to eat chickpeas this way. Yummy!

  19. Reem | Simply Reem

    OK chickpeas are my best friend whom I eat LOL
    This looks fantastic Jessica, If I can I”ll eat them out of my system monitor …
    Fantastic!!!

  20. yummychunklet

    Ooh, I usually bake my seasoned chickpeas, but I’m definitely going to try your pan frying method!

  21. Three-Cookies

    This is absolutely awesome. I have also tried baked and deep fried versions as well. And I am one of those persons who can just pop these beans right in my mouth as is but of course seasoning makes it much better

  22. kankana

    I think these would such perfect with some chill beer. If only i had canned beans .. never mind will just boil the dried ones and make these for tonight 🙂

  23. Scientific Housewife

    Sounds amazing!

  24. Kathleen

    Oh my gosh! I love what you did with these. They sound absolutely delicious!

  25. Kaci

    Those look amazing 🙂

  26. sportsglutton

    Read the title of this post and knew right way I would like this recipe. Very creative and something I might have to make this weekend.

  27. Veronica's Kitchen

    What a great snack idea and it is healthy, too. I like homemade snack like this as you know exactly what’s in it and you can control the taste to suit your taste buds. Have a good weekend!

  28. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking

    Oh I love chick peas! I soak them overnight and then cook them the next day. I am one of those people who can just pop them in my mouth and eat them just like that but this sounds like a great recipe to spice them up!! I am really looking forward to trying them this way!!

  29. Kate (What Kate is Cooking)

    I LOVE chickpeas! They’re so versatile- hummus, salads, brownies, and nice and crunchy 🙂

  30. Amelia

    Looks like a great snack to munch, thanks for sharing.

  31. My Carolina Kitchen

    You won me over with “they almost mimic the crunch of a nice thick chip but without all the guilt.” I use chickpeas in Mediterranean salads and I’ve seen recipes for crunchy peas, but not as nicely seasoned as your recipe. Count me in!
    Sam

  32. kitchen flavours

    I love chickpeas! These look fantastic and really addictive! Would love to give this a try! Thanks for sharing and wish you a lovely Sunday!

  33. Jihane @Sinful Sundays

    These sound like the perfect compliment to an ice-cold Corona. Love cajun seasonings!

  34. Rivki Locker

    What a wonderful technique. I’ve never seen this but it is ABSOLUTELY going on my must try list. Thanks for sharing.

  35. Mary

    LOVELY flavors – super snack – I’m going to enjoy these!
    Mary

  36. Terry (My Journey With Candida)

    I am one of “those” that can eat them plain….. right out of the can or crockpot.

    Your recipe sounds much tastier than the way I usually eat them.

  37. Reem | Simply Reem

    OK, I know this is my 2nd comment but I had to tell you…
    I made these yesterday for friends, God jessica they were super hit….
    Everyone loved them.
    Thanks for sharing this recipe my friend….

    1. Kitchen Belleicious

      Oh yeah! That just made my whole day! So glad you and everyone enjoyed them. Good to know I am not crazy! My husband thourge I was at first at least until he took the first bite! Lol!

  38. Shea

    What a yummy snack! I’m with you–I can’t just eat chickpeas by themselves–they need to have a little something added to them for me to really want to eat them. (Or if they’re in hummus–I can’t argue with that!) This looks like such a delicious twist on chick peas–I’m sure I’d be snacking on these all night!

  39. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    I usually don’t eat chickpeas because they are just new ingredient to me (except hummus) but this cajun style is really tempting! What a great way to eat them. 😉

  40. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    I made this one time but for some reason they didn’t turn out good. I’m definitely going to try your recipe because I love chickpeas.

  41. Kristy

    Chickpeas are my new found love. I’m not a big bean (or veggie) eater, but these little gems are just delicious. Soon I’m going to have a whole file of just your recipes with all of these I keep printing out!

  42. lena

    hi jessica, i’m one of those who can just eat the chickpeas straight from the jar..to be frank, i didnt even know they can be done this way by frying them…thanks so much for your inspiration!

    1. Kitchen Belleicious

      Straight from the jar? Wow I am impressed. Well then you would certainly like this version too! Thanks for stopping by

  43. Allison @ Alli n Son

    I’ve been meaning to try these! I’ve heard they are good with cinnamon sugar too.

    How are you? Feeling good?

    1. Kitchen Belleicious

      Ohh a sweet fried chickpea. Now that is genius. You must do it and let me know how it goes!

      I am doing good girl. 26 weeks and counting. I swear I would be doing alot more these days if this belly weren’t in the way!

      How are you? Baby?

  44. The Slow Roasted Italian

    These look amazing! Sounds like a fantastic snack to cure a crunchy craving.

  45. Rachel @ the Avid Appetite

    I have to say…I would not typically think of this for a snack. BUT…you make it look so delicious and so easy 🙂 Thanks for the idea!

  46. Caroline

    Brilliant! These would be the perfect snack. I love the spicy aspect. Takes chickpeas to a whole different level. 🙂

  47. Jody Brettkelly

    Love chickpeas in any form and especially with a kick – these look really special!

  48. Valerie

    Can you believe I have never had a pan fried chick pea?? I truly have to get out more!! Great recipe.

    1. Kitchen Belleicious

      Oh girl! You would love them. Lightband crispy! Divine

  49. sophia

    I’m not the biggest fan of chickpeas, unless it’s– excuse me– fried. This combines both the fried flavor and a wonderfully spiced seasoning, so I just know I’ll love this! 😀

  50. Stacey

    I love fried chickpeas. Much less in this wonderful combo of seasonings! Brilliant

  51. Mary Elizabeth

    They look delicious. I have been gone but now I am back and after looking at your last 4 dishes I missed alot! These are fabulous

  52. katie

    I have been seeing these all over the web and have been meaning to try them. I love chickpeas and these look so delicious!

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