These shawarma spiced chickpeas are a great addition to any salad, vegetarian entree, or simply enjoy these as a healthy snack! We've kicked up ours a notch with homemade shawarma seasoning which adds a deep, wonderful flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Prepare a few batches and keep them in your fridge. You'll thank us for it!

Do you have a go-to recipe that your family devours instantly?
If I had to pick one, it would be spiced chickpeas. My 18-year-old son inhales them, and I don't get the chance to use them on any other dishes. They don't even make it out of the pan! As a bonus, it's a super simple and nutritious recipe, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Another variation we love is our Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas.
What are Chickpeas?
Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are an inexpensive legume with a very mild flavor. High in plant-based protein and fiber, these versatile beans can be used in so many different ways!
What is Shawarma Spice?
Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend used to marinate meat, which is then shaved into thin slices and served on pita bread. The spice blend includes sweet paprika, allspice, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic and onion powder, ground ginger, and Aleppo pepper, and it can be used on all kinds of foods!
Ingredients for Shawarma Spiced Chickpeas.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix.
- Chickpeas.
- Sea salt.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro. If you are someone who does not love cilantro, you can use parsley. Fresh herbs are best for flavor.
How to Make Shawarma Spiced Chickpeas
Drain your chickpeas in a colander and let them sit so that all of the aquafaba drains out. There is no need to mess up a mixing bowl for this dish! First, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Then, add the shawarma spice mix and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add the chickpeas and salt and toss well to coat. Cook the beans for 2-3 minutes and add the cilantro or parsley. You can serve these warm or cold - you decide!
How to Serve Shawarma Spiced Chickpeas?
I like to prepare a few batches to use as an on-the-go snack or add them to Salads or Soups. These chickpeas can also be made into a sandwich, pita, or wrap, as if it were chicken, with tzatziki, tahini sauce, yogurt dill dressing, or hummus.
Spiced Chickpea Variations
Did you know you can make baked spiced chickpeas? It crisps them up so they become a crunchy snack -- perfect if you can't have nuts or just want something different and tasty. Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Prepare your shwarma spiced chickpeas as described above. Spread the chickpeas out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them for 20-30 minutes. Start checking them at 20 minutes but it can take up to thirty minutes for them to get crunchy. Perfection!
When preparing the chickpeas in the skillet, a splash of lemon juice brightens up the shawarma spice blend and adds a nice touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chickpeas Healthy?
Yes. One cup of cooked chickpeas contains 14.5 grams of protein, 12.5 grams of fiber, and 268 calories.
Are roasted chickpeas healthier?
No. Roasting degrades the nutritional value.
What can I combine with chickpeas for complete protein?
You will need to add either a whole grain or a nut/seed to make a complete protein amino acid chain. Try adding sesame seeds to your skillet!
Where would chickpeas be in a grocery store?
You can buy either dried chickpeas or canned chickpeas. They are also called garbanzo beans, and will be found with the canned beans or dried beans at your local supermarket.
More Shawarma Spiced Dishes to Make
- Rice Bowl with Shawarma Spiced Mushrooms and Chickpeas
- Easy Hummus Recipe with Shawarma Mushrooms
- Shawarma Veggie Tacos With Tahini Guacamole
More Recipes with Chickpeas
- Easy Tomato and Chickpea Salad
- Cauliflower Bowl with Harissa Roasted Chickpeas
- Braised Curried Kale with Spiced Chickpeas
- Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Tempeh Bacon Bits
- Eggplant and Chickpea Curry
Love chickpeas? Check out our collection of delicious chickpea recipes!
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Shawarma Spiced Chickpeas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
Description
Spiced chickpeas are a great addition to any salad, vegetarian entree or simply as a snack! We've kicked up ours a notch by using our Crazy Good Shawarma Mix. Prepare a few batches and keep them in your fridge. You'll thank us for it!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp Crazy Good Shawarma Spice Mix (get the recipe HERE)
- 1-15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Add the shawarma spice mix and cook for one minute, stirring constantly
- Add the chickpeas and salt and toss well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes and add the cilantro or parsley. Serve warm or cold
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: entree
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 151
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 587.8
- Fat: 5.9
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19.1
- Fiber: 6.2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 0
Bea
Love the simplicity of this recipe. One question, are they supposed to be crispy, because I couldn't get mine to crisp up. Delighted that I now have a whole jar of yummy shawarma spice mix though!
Vicky and Ruth
Hi Bea,
No this is not a crispy chickpea recipe. We always have a jar of shawarma spice mix ready. We love it.
Keep cooking!
Kath
Un délice merci
Vicky and Ruth
Merci à vous. Je suis ravi que cete recette vous ait plu.