Easy Chickpea Patties Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, packed with flavor, and ready in a flash, these Easy Chickpea Patties are about to become your new favorite lunch or dinner staple. Bursting with golden spices and the irresistible crunch of a perfect pan-seared crust, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and wholesome goodness. The best part? You only need pantry staples, a skillet, and a few minutes of hands-on time—perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy night in. With a zesty lemon garlic aioli on the side, this vegetarian dish delivers restaurant-worthy taste without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Easy Chickpea Patties plays a special part—giving flavor, holding things together, or adding that irresistible crisp finish. You’ll probably have most of these on hand already, and each one brings something unique to the table!

• Chickpeas: The superstar of our patties, chickpeas provide hearty texture and that comforting earthy flavor.
• Bread crumbs: Essential for binding everything together and adding that perfect crispiness!
• White onion: Adds sweet, subtle pungency and a pop of freshness.
• Cumin: Brings a deep warmth and a hint of smokiness that flat-out elevates the patties.
• Turmeric: Infuses a vibrant color and earthy, peppery undertones.
• Garlic powder: Convenient, punchy flavor that spreads evenly throughout the patties.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the savory flavors for a balanced bite.
• Olive oil: Keeps the patties moist inside and helps develop that perfectly golden crust in the skillet.
• Egg: The glue that holds everything together and creates a tender, luscious interior.
• Greek yogurt: For the aioli, adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a fruity note and silky texture to the creamy sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brightens things up and cuts through richness.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the patties and aioli perfectly.

How to Make Easy Chickpea Patties

Step 1: Whip Up the Lemon Garlic Aioli

Before you get your hands in the chickpeas, start with the lemon garlic aioli. In a small bowl, add the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is silky smooth and beautifully blended. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you make the patties—this lets the flavors mingle and deepen.

Step 2: Mash the Chickpeas

Grab a potato masher or your trusty food processor, and mash the drained, rinsed chickpeas. You want a mix of finely broken-down chickpeas with a few chunkier pieces left for texture. Too smooth, and the patties will be gummy; too chunky, and they might not hold together. Aim for a rough mash that sticks when pressed.

Step 3: Mix the Patty Ingredients

Transfer the chickpeas to a large bowl and add the breadcrumbs, diced white onion, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and egg. Stir it all together until the mixture is well combined and evenly moistened. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands—if it feels a bit dry, add a splash of water; if it’s too wet, a touch more breadcrumbs will fix it right up.

Step 4: Form the Easy Chickpea Patties

Scoop out handfuls of the mixture and gently shape them into patties about 2-3 inches wide—think sliders or small burger patties. Pack them just firmly enough that they hold together, but don’t overwork the mix or they’ll lose their tender bite. Lay the patties out on a plate or board as you go.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, gently add the patties in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until each side is gorgeously golden and crisp. They’ll smell absolutely incredible! Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook any remaining patties.

Step 6: Serve with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Top each Easy Chickpea Patty with a hearty spoonful of that chilled lemon garlic aioli. The cool, tangy sauce meets the warm, spiced patties for a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Easy Chickpea Patties

Garnishes

The finishing touches make a plate of Easy Chickpea Patties feel extra special. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds fresh color and a fragrant herbal pop. If you love a little tang, try scattering some thinly sliced red onions or a handful of sprouts on top. A simple wedge of lemon on the side never goes amiss—just a squeeze can cut through the richness and perk everything up.

Side Dishes

These patties are wonderfully versatile and delicious alongside so many favorite sides. Serve them with fluffy couscous, a bright tomato-cucumber salad, or even over a bed of greens for a wholesome lunch. They also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or warm pita bread, making any meal feel heartier and more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Easy Chickpea Patties aren’t just for plates—they’re fantastic tucked into a wrap or pita with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of aioli. Pop them into a slider bun for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian burger. You can even chop them up and toss into a grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, greens, and your favorite pickles for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chickpea Patties store beautifully, making them a meal prep superstar. Let any extras cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to four days and are just as tasty cold as they are reheated.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, freeze cooked chickpea patties in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Pop a piece of parchment between layers so nothing sticks. They’ll last up to two months and can be reheated straight from the freezer for a speedy dinner solution.

Reheating

To reheat, place patties on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the patties will be softer. For stovetop lovers, a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil gets the edges golden once more.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chickpea Patties vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the egg for a flax or chia “egg” (one tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons water, left to thicken for a few minutes). The aioli is easy to veganize too—use your favorite plant-based yogurt as the base.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Absolutely—just substitute the regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free brand, or even ground oats or almond flour. Your Easy Chickpea Patties will still hold together beautifully and taste fantastic.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great option. Place your shaped patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are crisp and golden.

What other spices can I add?

Feel free to play! Smoked paprika, chili flakes, or coriander add delicious twists. You can even add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for extra freshness and a brilliant green fleck throughout.

Are Easy Chickpea Patties good for meal prep?

They’re perfect for meal prep! Make a batch and enjoy them hot or cold in salads, wraps, or just as a grab-and-go snack throughout the week. The flavor improves as they sit, making lunches and snacks extra rewarding.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make these Easy Chickpea Patties and discover just how much fun—and flavor—you can pack into a twenty-minute meal. Give them a try, experiment with sides and toppings, and let them be your new go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something crave-worthy and homemade. Happy cooking!

Print