Golden Crispy Chickpeas Tossed in a Fiery Garlic Chili Glaze

Here’s a recipe for Golden Crispy Chickpeas with Fiery Garlic Chili Glaze:

Ingredients

For the Chickpeas:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

For the Garlic Chili Glaze:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (balances the heat)

• Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Chickpeas:
   Pat the chickpeas dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing moisture is key to crispiness.

3. Roast Chickpeas:
   Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
   Bake for 25–35 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. Make the Garlic Chili Glaze:
   While the chickpeas roast, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn!).
   Stir in chili flakes, smoked paprika, soy sauce, honey/maple syrup, and lime juice. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Toss Chickpeas in Glaze:
   Remove chickpeas from oven and while still hot, drizzle or toss them with the garlic chili glaze until evenly coated.

6. Serve Immediately:
   Enjoy them warm for maximum crunch, or let them cool slightly—they’ll still be delicious.

Tips:

• For extra crunch, after glazing, you can return them to the oven for 3–5 minutes.

• Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado if you want an even crispier result.

• Experiment with chili: smoked, cayenne, or chili-garlic sauce for more punch.