Name: Veggie and Chickpea Nuggets (Healthy Vegan Chicken Nugget Bites) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas plus ¼ cup cooking liquid); ¾ teaspoon onion powder; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

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Introduction

These Veggie and Chickpea Nuggets offer a deliciously healthy alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Packed with wholesome ingredients and spices, they are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a vegan-friendly snack or meal.

A stack of golden brown cookies with a rough, crumbly texture sprinkled with white powder and green herbs sits on a white parchment on a light wooden board. To the right, a white bowl filled with creamy white dip is placed, with a woman's hand dipping one cookie halfway into the dip. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered around the board and parchment, adding fresh color. The scene is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 15-ounce can chickpeas (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas plus ¼ cup cooking liquid)
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Process the rolled oats in a food processor until they become a coarse, powder-like consistency, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Drain the chickpeas, reserving ¼ cup of the liquid from the can. Rinse the chickpeas and transfer to the food processor with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Pulse for 15 seconds until crumbly but not smooth.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled chickpea mixture with the reserved liquid, olive oil, and ground oats. Mix well, then add salt and adjust to taste. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using about 2 tablespoons of batter per nugget, shape into nuggets (roughly 12). Arrange them on the baking sheet without touching.
Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the nuggets and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the nuggets with oil before baking.
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
If you don’t have a food processor, mash the chickpeas well with a fork and pulse the oats in a blender.

Storage

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an air fryer if you have one. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

A stack of seven golden brown cookies with a crumbly texture sits on a white surface with scattered green herb leaves and some white powder sprinkled on top. A woman's hand is placing an eighth cookie on the top of the stack. Around the stack are more cookies lying flat on the white surface. The background is plain light with a small white cup and some loose green herbs in the back. The overall look is warm and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these chickpea nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked nuggets. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

Can I make the nuggets gluten-free?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are naturally gluten-free but can be contaminated if processed near gluten-containing grains. Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.