Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas

Name: Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas because they are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Whenever I feel like snacking, I can whip this up in no time and enjoy the crunch. The chickpeas become crispy and the sweet chili sauce gives them an irresistible glaze. This recipe is a game changer for healthy snacking, and I can’t believe how much flavor is packed into each bite! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep making batches to satisfy your cravings.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:46:17.052Z

When I first tried roasting chickpeas, I was blown away by how deliciously crunchy they turn out! I was experimenting in the kitchen, trying to create a snack that was not only healthy but also loaded with flavor. By combining chickpeas with sweet chili sauce and a bit of seasoning, I created a recipe that quickly became my go-to. The balance of sweet and spicy keeps me reaching for more!

To get the perfect crunch, I learned that drying the chickpeas thoroughly before roasting is essential. It makes all the difference, allowing them to become perfectly crispy. Plus, adjusting the amount of sweet chili sauce can tailor the heat level to my taste. This recipe really turned my snacking habits around!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors
Nutritious and high in protein, perfect for snacking
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients

      

The Importance of Drying Chickpeas

One crucial step in making Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas is drying the chickpeas thoroughly. When you pat them down with a kitchen towel, the aim is to remove as much moisture as possible. This method allows the seasonings to adhere better and creates that delightful crunch. If the chickpeas are too wet, they may steam instead of roast, resulting in a chewy texture rather than the crispy finish you desire.

If you want to take the drying step a little further, you can lay the chickpeas out on a baking sheet and leave them in the fridge uncovered for about an hour. This extra time allows the skins to become slightly firmer, making them perfect for roasting. Just don’t skip this part if you want the best possible crunch!

Choosing the Right Sweet Chili Sauce

The type of sweet chili sauce you use can greatly influence the final flavor of your roasted chickpeas. Look for a sauce that strikes the right balance between sweetness and heat. Some brands add extra garlic or even vinegar, which can change how the spices meld with the chickpeas. If you prefer a spicier batch, opt for a sauce with a higher heat level or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick.

For a homemade version, you can combine equal parts sugar and chili flakes with a splash of vinegar and soy sauce for a flavorful alternative. This way, you can control the sweetness and heat to suit your preferences, making your chickpea snack even more tailored to your taste.

Serving and Storing Your Chickpeas

Once your Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas are ready and cooled, consider how you'll serve them. They make an excellent standalone snack, but I love topping salads with them for added crunch and flavor. Try mixing them into grain bowls, or as a crunchy garnish on soups; the options are endless! Just remember that these chickpeas are best consumed on the day they're made for optimal crunchiness.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose their crispness over time, but you can easily re-crisp them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes. If you're making a larger batch, consider freezing them in a single layer before storing in a zip-top bag. Just bake them straight from frozen, adjusting the roasting time as needed.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas:

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure optimal roasting.

Prepare the Chickpeas

On a clean kitchen towel, pat the chickpeas dry to remove excess moisture. This step is key for achieving a crispy texture.

Season the Chickpeas

In a mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with olive oil, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss everything until the chickpeas are well coated.

Roast the Chickpeas

Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy, stirring halfway.

Cool and Serve

Remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve as a snack or a crunchy topping for salads.

Your Sweet Chili Roasted Chickpeas are now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly and do not overcrowd the baking sheet for the best crunch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chickpeas aren't getting crunchy enough, check the moisture level both before and during roasting. If they seem to be steaming rather than roasting, try increasing the oven temperature slightly or giving them more space on the baking sheet to allow for air circulation.

In case of uneven roasting, remember to stir the chickpeas halfway through the cooking time. This not only promotes even cooking but also helps to achieve that golden brown color all around. If you notice that some are browning faster than others, you may need to adjust the position of the baking sheet in the oven.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is highly scalable, whether you want a small batch for a quick snack or a larger batch for a party. Simply multiply the ingredients proportionally while keeping a close eye on the roasting time since a larger quantity may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Be sure to use a larger baking sheet to avoid crowding.

For those interested in varying flavors by adjusting the spices, feel free! You can experiment with different spices such as cumin or chili powder to customize your roasted chickpeas. Just keep the proportions reasonably balanced to ensure the sweet chili sauce remains the star of the show.

Flavor Variations to Consider

If you want to switch things up, consider adding herbs such as dried oregano or rosemary to the seasoning mix. These earthy flavors can add a delightful twist to the usual sweet and spicy combination without overpowering it. Fresh herbs aren’t recommended for roasting, as they won’t yield the same concentrated flavor.

Another option is to incorporate some lime or lemon zest into the seasoning before roasting. The citrus notes can brighten the overall flavor profile, making for a refreshing snack. Just remember to keep an eye on the zest during roasting, as it can burn more quickly than the chickpeas.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to cook them first. Soak dried chickpeas overnight and then boil until tender.

→ How long can I store roasted chickpeas?

You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, but they're best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can add more or less sweet chili sauce depending on your preference.

→ What other flavors can I try?

You can experiment with different spices like cumin or cayenne pepper for various flavor profiles.