Let me tell you about these amazing chickpea broccoli nuggets! Not only are they a delicious snack, but they’re also packed with nutrients that make you feel good about munching away. Seriously, these little bites are brimming with protein and fiber, making them a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which is a total win in my book! Whether you’re enjoying them as an after-school treat or a quick appetizer, I promise you’ll fall in love with their crispy, savory goodness. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (I love using cheddar, but feel free to use your favorite!)
- 1 egg, beaten (this helps bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for that savory punch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder to enhance the flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)
How to Prepare Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious chickpea broccoli nuggets! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is so important because we want those nuggets to bake up nice and crispy!
While the oven is heating, grab a mixing bowl and start mashing your cooked chickpeas with a fork. You don’t need them to be completely smooth; a little texture is great! Just make sure you break them down enough to mix well with everything else.
Next, add the chopped steamed broccoli to the bowl. I like to make sure the pieces are nice and small, so they blend seamlessly into the mixture. Toss in your breadcrumbs, grated cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now comes the fun part—mix it all together! Use your hands or a spatula; just make sure everything is well combined.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form those nuggets. I like to grab a small handful and shape them into little patties or nuggets, about the size of a golf ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll be delicious regardless!
Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this helps with cleanup too!). Place your nuggets on the sheet, making sure they have a little space between them so they can crisp up nicely. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and smell heavenly!
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute (if you can resist the smell!). Serve them warm, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite! Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Nutritious and packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Versatile—great as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
- Kid-friendly and a fun way to sneak in some veggies.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and add-ins for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
To make your chickpea broccoli nuggets truly shine, here are some expert tips that I swear by! First off, make sure your chickpeas are well-drained and rinsed. If they’re too wet, your mixture may become soggy, and nobody wants that. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using roasted chickpeas for an added depth of flavor and extra crunch!
Now, about the breadcrumbs—if you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap them out for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. If you want to bump up the nutrition, I’ve had great success using oats instead! Just blend them up a bit to make a finer texture.
When it comes to spices, this is where you can really let your personality shine! Love a bit of heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Want a fresh twist? Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The sky’s the limit, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for that lovely golden brown color. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a light brush of olive oil on top before baking can enhance the crispiness even more. But don’t overdo it—just a little will go a long way!
Lastly, if you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze beautifully, so you can whip them out whenever you need a quick snack. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to reheat, and they’ll be just as delicious as the first time!
Variations of Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets
One of the best things about these chickpea broccoli nuggets is how customizable they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some finely chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost. You can also switch up the flavor profile by incorporating different spices—how about a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky twist? If you love a bit of zest, some lemon zest can brighten things up beautifully!
Feeling cheesy? Swap in some feta or mozzarella for a different cheesy experience. And for those who like a kick, don’t hesitate to toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The options are endless, so get creative and make these nuggets your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chickpea broccoli nuggets is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, although I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re so delicious! If you want to keep them for longer, these nuggets freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy. You’ll be amazed at how good they taste even after freezing!
Nutritional Information
These chickpea broccoli nuggets are not only tasty but also nutritious! Each serving (about 4 nuggets) contains approximately 150 calories, 5g of fat, 6g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fiber. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy knowing you’re snacking smart!
FAQ About Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets
Can I make these nuggets ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the nuggets a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I use instead of chickpeas? If you’re in the mood for a change, you can substitute chickpeas with white beans or even lentils for a similar texture and flavor!
Are chickpea broccoli nuggets gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular ones, and you’re good to go!
How do I keep them crispy after baking? To maintain that delightful crunch, try to store them uncovered in the fridge instead of sealing them tightly. Reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Can I bake them instead of frying? Definitely! Baking is the way to go for a healthier option, and these nuggets turn out perfectly crispy in the oven!
Print
Chickpea Broccoli Nuggets: 5 Irresistible Crispy Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chickpea broccoli nuggets are a healthy and delicious snack option packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork.
- Add the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small nugget shapes.
- Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices for extra flavor.
- These nuggets freeze well for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chickpea broccoli nuggets