Name: Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas (with Homemade Seasoning)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas (or 1 can, 398ml ); 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Pure Avocado Oil); 1/4 tsp Chipotle Powder (Additive-Free); 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; dash of Cayenne Pepper (Ground); 1/4 tsp Ground Turmeric; dash of Black Pepper; 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt (or Other Natural Mineral Salt)

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Tossed in a homemade seasoning with no added sugar or artificial flavours, these Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas are a clean and delicious snack and an easy way to spice up simple meals.

A jar full of roasted and seasoned chickpeas.

*Nutrition Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please read my disclaimers page for more information.

Whether serving unexpected company or satisfying sudden salty cravings, I love having healthy snacks that are handy to grab on a whim. Homemade roasted chickpeas are perfect for just that! They can keep for a few days at room temperature and about a week in the fridge.

Along with my chili lime chickpeas, I always add these spicy buffalo chickpeas into my meal prep rotation. They make a tasty and filling snack that's great for packed lunches, movie nights, game days, parties, and taking on the go.

They're also a delicious way to add a pop of flavour and a boost of protein to a variety of meals, including pizza, tacos, salad, rice and more.

A labelled jar of spicy buffalo chickpeas.

Are Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas Healthy?

Chickpeas on their own are a nutritionally rich food full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre. However, many buffalo seasonings and sauces contain highly processed sugars, artificial flavours, food dyes, and loads of preservatives.

For a clean and healthier alternative, these spicy buffalo chickpeas are seasoned with a simple blend of pure spices and extra virgin olive oil. No added sugars, no artificial flavours and no other funky gunk.

Health Benefits

Protein-rich. Chickpeas are rich in many essential amino acids, making them a great source of plant protein. Combine these spicy roasted chickpeas with a whole grain such as rice or quinoa to make an easy vegetarian meal with a complete source of protein.

Fibre-rich. Chickpeas are an excellent source of fibre, which can contribute to gut health, heart health and blood sugar balance.

Low-Sugar. High in protein and fibre, chickpeas are a great food for sustainable energy and balanced blood sugar levels. Made with a simple blend of pure spices and olive oil, these roasted chickpeas are also free of added sugars.

Seasonal Benefits

Spring & Summer are typically filled with lighter meals and fresh salads. Roasted chickpeas are a great way to add a boost of protein and flavour to simple salads and light meals. They also make a great snack for picnics, road trips, camping and beach days.

Autumn & Winter are excellent seasons to add a touch of warmth to salads and grain bowls with these spicy roasted chickpeas. They also make a delicious salty snack that's great for cozy movie nights or holiday parties.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas Healthy

Making Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas with clean, healthy ingredients and no added sugar is incredibly easy. All you need is a few spices, extra virgin olive oil and a few minutes of hands-on time.

What You Will Need

Equipment

Colander or strainer to strain and rinse the chickpeas.
Paper towel (optional) to pat the chickpeas dry.
Baking sheet (10x15) allows plenty of room to evenly roast one batch of these chickpeas.
Medium bowl to toss the chickpeas with olive oil and spices.
Spatula or spoon to evenly season the chickpeas.
Measuring spoons for accuracy.

Ingredients

Canned or home-cooked chickpeas will both work for this recipe. To make a single batch, you will need 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas or one 398ml can.
Chipotle powder is the star of the show in this buffalo seasoning, offering a touch of heat complemented by a savoury, smoky flavour.
Garlic and onion powder complement and balance the savoury, spicy flavours of chipotle powder.
Cayenne pepper offers a pop of heat that adds to the spice of chipotle.
Ground turmeric adds a subtle peppery flavour with a punch of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Himalayan salt helps to marry the flavours while adding a richness of minerals.
Extra virgin Olive oil helps to evenly season the chickpeas while giving them a crisp outer layer. Pure avocado oil can also be used.
Black pepper adds depth to the spicy flavours and increases the bioavailability of turmeric's nutrients.

Chickpeas being patted dry and rolled around between two pieces of paper towel and the loose skin being peeled off.

Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas

First, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas well. Then, spread them on a pan to air dry. Alternatively, you can pat them dry with a clean linen cloth or paper towel. Once they are mostly dry, roll them around under the palm of your hand to remove any loose skin. This helps to give the chickpeas a crispier outer crunch when roasting.

You can also par-bake them for a fast and easy way to dry them, as I outline in my chili lime chickpeas recipe.

Spices and olive oil stirred into a bowl of chickpeas.

Step 2: Season Chickpeas

Once rinsed and dried, place the chickpeas into a bowl. Then, drizzle in the olive oil. Next, stir in the salt and spices. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined and the chickpeas are evenly seasoned.

Seasoned chickpeas in a bowl and spread evenly on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast Chickpeas

Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

If you prefer your chickpeas crunchier, you can bake them for up to 40 minutes, stirring them every 10 - 15 minutes and keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Once the chickpeas are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool before handling. To keep them crisp and fresh, make sure they are fully cooled before sealing them in a jar or container.

Seasoned chickpeas in a jar labelled "spicy buffalo."

Storing & Saving

If sealed properly in an airtight container, these roasted chickpeas can last 3 - 4 days at room temperature and up to 7 days in the fridge.

Especially in warm and humid weather, always watch for mould and discard it if there are any signs of growth, foul smell or discolouration.

As mentioned above, allow the chickpeas to fully cool before sealing. This helps to keep them crisp and free of moisture. I also like to keep mine in glass for the freshest flavour to avoid toxins that can leach from plastic.

How to Re-Crisp Roasted Chickpeas

Whether stored in the fridge or at room temperature, these chickpeas will lose their crispness over time. However, they can be re-crisped by popping them in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes at 200°F.

An overflowing jar of roasted chickpeas with a small wooden serving spoon.

Substitutions & Variations

Pure avocado oil can be used in place of pure extra virgin olive oil.

Omit the cayenne pepper for a milder seasoning. You can also reduce the amount of chipotle powder to further reduce the heat.

Omit the onion powder or ground turmeric if needed. Omitting these two spices will not drastically alter the taste.

My Top Tips

Give the chickpeas plenty of space while roasting. Spreading the chickpeas evenly with a generous amount of space helps them achieve an even roast with a crisp outer crunch.

Avoid using too much oil. Too much oil can result in a soggy texture or undesirable flavour. Adding just enough so the chickpeas are thoroughly coated is the trick I use to get the best texture.

Way to Use Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas

Snack on their own. These Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas make a flavourful, protein and fibre-rich snack that's easy to take on the go!

Salad topper or crouton alternative. Chickpeas make a nutritious replacement for croutons, but these Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas take it to the next level when it comes to flavour! They're not only a great way to add a source of protein but an easy way to spice up simple salads.

Pizza topping. These flavour and protein-packed chickpeas make a delicious addition to homemade pizza.

A jar labelled "spicy buffalo" filled with seasoned, roasted chickpeas.

Serve with tacos. The spicy, savoury flavour makes these roasted chickpeas perfect for serving with tacos! They can also make a protein-rich plant-based alternative to taco meat.

Mix with roasted vegetables and rice. These roasted chickpeas made a delicious addition to rice and quinoa. They're a great way to add a burst of flavour and make a complete meal.

Recipe Highlights

Easy to make. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, these Roasted Chickpeas are simple to make and ready in less than 40 minutes.

Versatile. Roasted Chickpeas make a wonderfully versatile addition to a well-rounded diet. They can be eaten as a snack or added to salads, rice, pizza, quinoa and more!

Suitable for many dietary restrictions. These roasted chickpeas are free of nuts, gluten, dairy, soy, and added sugar. They are also plant-based, Whole30 and Paleo friendly.

Rich source of protein and fibre. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fibre, making them a great addition to vegetarian, vegan and heart-healthy diets.

More Healthy Snack Recipes

A jar overflowing with roasted chickpeas.

If you make these Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas, let me know how they turn out by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, make sure you're following along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Flipboard for more wildly nutritious recipes!

Spicy Buffalo Chickpeas (with Homemade Seasoning)