Delicious & Easy BBQ Chickpea Tacos: Your Go-To Vegan Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner with these **BBQ chickpea tacos**. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet exciting. Imagine tender chickpeas, richly coated in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, nestled in warm tortillas. Each bite is then elevated by the bright tang of quick pickled onions and the refreshing crunch of a vibrant kale cabbage slaw, creating an explosion of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you’re anything like me, a true taco enthusiast, then you understand the joy of a perfectly crafted taco. My kitchen has seen its share of delicious vegan taco creations, from crispy cauliflower tacos to crunchy zucchini tacos, and even hearty sweet potato and black bean tacos. The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility, allowing for endless plant-based combinations that are both delicious and nutritious. This BBQ chickpea taco recipe stands out as a personal favorite, designed specifically for ease without compromising on a single ounce of flavor.
What makes this particular recipe a standout for busy weeknights is its incredible speed. It comes together in a flash, especially if you get a head start by preparing the tangy pickled onions and the crunchy kale slaw in advance. With those components ready, you’re literally just five minutes away from assembling a gourmet-quality, satisfying vegan dinner that the whole family will adore. The star of the show, the chickpeas, are pan-roasted until they reach a delightful warmth and are thoroughly coated in a rich, sticky BBQ sauce. This sweet and savory chickpea filling finds its perfect balance when paired with the zesty onions and the refreshing slaw, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that blend together seamlessly. It’s a truly harmonious and unbelievably good meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Chickpea Tacos
Crafting the perfect BBQ chickpea taco experience begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and dynamic textures that make this dish so irresistible. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic plant-based meal. For precise quantities and full recipe instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Canned Chickpeas: These are the protein-packed foundation of our tacos. Ensure you rinse and drain them exceptionally well. The secret to a sticky, flavorful sauce is to dry them as thoroughly as possible after rinsing. A clean kitchen towel works wonders for this!
- BBQ Sauce: The heart of the flavor! You can opt for your favorite store-bought vegan BBQ sauce – just double-check the label as some brands contain honey. Alternatively, for an extra layer of homemade goodness, try making your own roasted strawberry barbecue sauce or another homemade recipe. Choose a sauce that aligns with your preferred level of sweetness and smokiness.
- Kale Cabbage Slaw: This vibrant, crunchy slaw adds an essential fresh element and a delightful textural contrast. Its crispness and subtle tang beautifully cut through the richness of the BBQ chickpeas. You can follow our recipe for the best healthy kale cabbage slaw, or use your preferred coleslaw recipe.
- Quick Pickled Onions: A non-negotiable ingredient! The sharp, tangy bite of pickled onions provides a crucial balance to the sweet BBQ chickpeas. They are incredibly easy to make ahead of time using our quick pickled onions recipe, and their vibrant color adds visual appeal.
- Soft Taco Shells: The vessel for all this deliciousness! Both flour and corn tortillas work wonderfully, so choose based on your personal preference. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to select certified gluten-free corn or flour tortillas.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is an absolute game-changer. It brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish that ties everything together perfectly. Don’t skip it!
Using Dried Chickpeas? Here’s How Much You’ll Need
While canned chickpeas offer unparalleled convenience for this quick recipe, if you prefer to use dried chickpeas, the conversion is straightforward. For every 15-ounce can of cooked chickpeas (which yields approximately 1 ½ cups), you’ll need to start with about 3/4 cup of dried chickpeas. Cook them according to their package instructions until tender before proceeding with the recipe. Remember, cooking dried chickpeas requires soaking time and longer cooking, so plan accordingly!
Crafting Your BBQ Chickpea Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these BBQ chickpea tacos is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a flavor-packed vegan meal on your table in no time. Follow these instructions to prepare the chickpeas, warm your tortillas, and assemble your delicious tacos.
- Prepare Your Toppings in Advance: For the quickest assembly, ensure your quick pickled onions and kale cabbage slaw are already prepared. These can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator, saving you valuable time on taco night.
- Cook the BBQ Chickpeas: Begin by placing your rinsed and thoroughly dried chickpeas in a small pot or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir in approximately 2 tablespoons of your chosen barbecue sauce. Cook the chickpeas for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and the sauce begins to thicken, becoming wonderfully sticky and clinging to each chickpea. Remove them from the heat. At this stage, you can stir in the remaining barbecue sauce from the recipe card, or save some to allow everyone to customize their tacos with extra sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas are key to a great taco experience. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil (or brush your skillet lightly with oil using a pastry brush for a healthier option) in a skillet over medium heat. Place one taco shell at a time into the hot skillet. Cook for a few seconds until golden brown spots appear and the tortilla becomes slightly puffy. Flip and cook the opposite side for another few seconds. Transfer the warm tortilla to a plate and repeat with the remaining shells. Alternatively, you can wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Assemble Your Tacos: This is where the magic happens! Take a warm tortilla and generously layer it with a spoonful of the fresh kale cabbage slaw, followed by a hearty scoop of the sticky BBQ chickpeas. Finish with a vibrant topping of quick pickled onions. Serve immediately with a fresh lime wedge for an essential squeeze of citrus.
Expert Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chickpea Tacos
While these BBQ chickpea tacos are inherently simple, a few expert tips can elevate your meal from great to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these details for perfect results every time:
- Thoroughly Dry Your Chickpeas: This step is crucial and often overlooked! After rinsing your canned chickpeas, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry. Excess moisture will thin out your BBQ sauce, preventing it from becoming delightfully thick and sticky. Dry chickpeas ensure maximum flavor adherence and a better texture.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: The recipe calls for a specific amount of BBQ sauce to coat the chickpeas, but don’t be afraid to adjust! Once the chickpeas are warmed and coated, taste them. If you prefer a saucier taco filling, feel free to stir in an extra tablespoon or two of BBQ sauce directly into the pan. You can also offer additional sauce on the side for guests to customize their own tacos. Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors—smoky, spicy, or sweet—to find your favorite!
- Never Skip the Slaw and Pickled Onions: These two components are not mere garnishes; they are absolutely essential to the overall flavor profile of this recipe. The tangy acidity of the pickled onions and the crisp, refreshing bite of the kale cabbage slaw provide a vital contrast to the rich, sweet BBQ chickpeas. They balance the sweetness, add crucial texture, and brighten every single bite. Without them, the tacos wouldn’t have the same dynamic and complex taste.
- Perfectly Warm Tortillas Make a Difference: Don’t underestimate the power of a warm, pliable tortilla. Cold or stiff tortillas can detract from the experience. Whether you’re heating them in a skillet, oven, or microwave, ensure they are soft and slightly warmed through. This makes them easier to fold and more enjoyable to eat.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Get Messy: Tacos are meant to be a little messy and a lot of fun! Embrace the experience.
Creative Variations & Exciting Serving Suggestions
The beauty of these BBQ chickpea tacos lies not only in their ease and incredible flavor but also in their adaptability. There are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or to transform it into an entirely new meal. Get creative and make it your own!
Exciting Variations:
- Taco Bowls or Salads: Craving something without the tortilla? These BBQ chickpeas, slaw, and pickled onions are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or even mixed greens for a refreshing BBQ chickpea taco salad. This is a great option for a lighter meal or if you’re avoiding grains.
- Alternative Toppings: While the slaw and pickled onions are essential, feel free to add other complementary toppings. A drizzle of creamy vegan ranch dressing adds a cool, herbaceous note. Shredded plant-based cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can bring a familiar cheesy goodness. Sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole offers creamy richness, while fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chopped jalapeños, or corn salsa can add extra layers of flavor and color.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ chickpeas as they cook. You can also incorporate finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños into the slaw for an extra zing.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and texture by stirring in some finely diced bell peppers or corn kernels to the chickpea mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Different Beans: While chickpeas are excellent, feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you have them on hand. Just ensure they are well-drained and dried before adding the BBQ sauce.
Perfect Serving Suggestions:
These BBQ chickpea tacos are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your spread. Consider these options for a truly memorable vegan taco night:
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn: For an authentic and smoky side, serve your tacos with grilled Mexican street corn (elote) or an easier esquites (off-the-cob version).
- Black Bean Avocado and Corn Salad: A fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful salad like our Black Bean Avocado and Corn Salad is a perfect accompaniment, adding even more texture and healthy fats.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
- Rice and Beans: For a more substantial meal, a side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice and seasoned black beans always complements tacos beautifully.
- Chips and Salsa/Guacamole: You can never go wrong with a classic! Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa or homemade guacamole.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Leftovers
Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers is simple with these BBQ chickpea tacos, though proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and flavor. Follow these tips to enjoy your delicious vegan tacos for days to come.
How to Store Leftovers:
For optimal freshness and to prevent sogginess, it’s best to store each component of your BBQ chickpea tacos separately. Place the BBQ chickpeas, kale cabbage slaw, and pickled onions in individual airtight containers. The tortillas can be stored in a sealed bag or container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. All components can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the chickpeas and tortillas in a skillet or microwave, and then assemble your fresh tacos with the chilled slaw and onions.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
While the assembled tacos are not ideal for freezing due to the fresh components, the BBQ chickpeas themselves freeze quite well! The texture of the slaw and pickled onions would suffer significantly if frozen and thawed. Therefore, if you wish to freeze part of this recipe for future meals, only freeze the cooked BBQ chickpeas. Store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the chickpeas overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh tacos with newly prepared slaw and pickled onions.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chickpea Tacos
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these delicious plant-based BBQ chickpea tacos:
- Can I use a different type of bean instead of chickpeas? Absolutely! While chickpeas offer a great texture and absorb the BBQ flavor beautifully, you can certainly experiment with other beans. Black beans or pinto beans would also work well with the BBQ sauce, though their texture will be softer. Ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained.
- Is it possible to make this recipe oil-free? Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the oil. When warming the tortillas, you can dry-roast them in a hot skillet without oil until they are pliable and slightly charred in spots. For the chickpeas, a small amount of oil helps brown them slightly and crisp them, but you can dry-sauté them in a non-stick pan with a splash of vegetable broth or water until warmed, then add the BBQ sauce.
- How can I make these tacos spicier? To add a kick, incorporate some finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers into your slaw, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the chickpea mixture while it cooks. You can also choose a spicier BBQ sauce or drizzle a vegan hot sauce over the assembled tacos.
- What kind of tortillas are best for BBQ chickpea tacos? Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional taco experience and are often naturally gluten-free, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Can I prepare any components of these tacos in advance? Yes, and it’s highly recommended for a super quick weeknight meal! The pickled onions can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The kale cabbage slaw can also be prepared a day in advance, though for maximum crunch, it’s best assembled closer to serving time. The BBQ chickpea filling can be cooked a day ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
More Delicious Chickpea Recipes to Explore
Chickpeas are an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient, perfect for a wide range of plant-based dishes. If you love the chickpeas in these tacos, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fantastic recipes that highlight their versatility:
- Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad: A flaky, savory, and satisfying plant-based alternative to classic tuna salad.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A quick and easy salad bursting with fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors, perfect for meal prep.
- Easy Chickpea Tikka Masala: A rich, creamy, and aromatic curry that’s surprisingly simple to make and incredibly comforting.
- Vegan Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza: Take the BBQ chickpea concept to a whole new level on a delicious pizza!
Enjoy, friends! If you try this fantastic BBQ chickpea taco recipe, we would absolutely love to see your creations. Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! Your feedback means the world to us, so please also consider leaving a comment below and giving the recipe a rating. Thank you so much for being a part of our culinary journey!
BBQ Chickpea Tacos with Kale Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 1 ½ cups
- ¼ cup bbq sauce
- Serve with Kale Cabbage Slaw
- Serve with Quick Pickled Onions
- 5 10 ” inch soft taco shells
- Serve with limes
Instructions
BBQ Chickpeas
- In a small pot over medium heat, place the chickpeas and 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Heat for about 5 minutes until warm and the sauce becomes sticky and coats the chickpeas.
- Remove from the heat and coat with the remaining barbecue sauce. If desired, you can add more barbecue sauce.
Assembling the Tacos
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (if possible, brush with a pastry brush).
Place a taco shell in the heat until golden brown spots appear and they are slightly puffy for a few seconds, then flip and cook the same. Set on a plate to assemble. - Layer with kale cabbage slaw, chickpeas and pickled onions over the soft taco shells. Serve with limes. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you’re gluten free remember to check that your taco shells are gluten free!
- To store: Store each component of these BBQ chickpea tacos separately; they can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Then, reheat the tortillas and chickpeas in a skillet or the microwave and assemble.
- To freeze: This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, although the BBQ chickpeas will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. (The other components should not be frozen.) Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.