Vegan Chickpeas Burger Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Jun 7th 2022 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Mar 6th 2026
Read time: 6 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Closed up View of Vegan Chickpeas Burger

This recipe for vegan chickpea burgers combines the earthy flavor of chickpeas with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a blend of spices for a delightful taste and texture. Pan-fried to a crispy golden brown, these burgers are perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a nutritious and delicious plant-based option.

Partner with Classic Bakes

We collaborate with brands through sponsored recipes, editorial features, and video collaborations. If your brand wants to reach a health-focused audience, we’d love to explore how we can work together.

Explore brand collaborations

This recipe for vegan chickpea burgers offers a delightful blend of flavors with a crispy texture that satisfies. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead or frozen for quick meals. Versatile enough to pair with various toppings, these burgers are a fantastic plant-based option for any occasion.

Before you start

  • Gather all ingredients and equipment for a smooth cooking process.
  • Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat for even cooking.
  • Drain and rinse chickpeas, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.

During cooking

  • Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant for best flavor.
  • Look for a golden brown color on the burgers for perfect crispness.
  • Avoid overmixing the chickpea mixture to maintain texture.
  • Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.

Make-ahead & storage

  • Prepare the burger mixture ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  • Reheat in a skillet with a little oil to restore crispiness.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much flour → Add gradually to achieve desired consistency.
  • Not chilling the patties → Freeze briefly to help them hold shape while cooking.

Serve with

Toppings & textures

  • Fresh avocado slices or crispy lettuce for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or jalapeños for brightness and heat.

Occasions

  • This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Substitutions

  • If you lack avocado oil, use olive oil for a slightly different flavor but similar cooking properties.
  • For gluten-free needs, substitute white rice flour with almond flour or oat flour to maintain texture.

Variations

  • Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist that enhances flavor and adds moisture.
  • Incorporate cooked quinoa into the mixture for added protein and a heartier texture in this recipe.

Refrigerate

  • Cool the burgers to room temperature and store in an airtight container.
  • Use within 3–4 days for best quality and flavor.

Freeze

  • Freezing not recommended as the texture may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy.
  • Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking while reheating.

Repurpose ideas

  • Crumble leftover burgers over a salad for added protein and flavor.
  • Use in wraps with fresh veggies and hummus for a quick meal.

  • Avocado Oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture when frying the burgers.
  • White Onion: Provides sweetness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the burger.
  • Yellow Bell Pepper: Contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the burger mixture.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and a savory aroma, elevating the taste of this recipe.
  • Chickpeas: The main ingredient, offering a hearty texture and serving as the protein base for the burgers.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky flavor that complements the spices in the burger.
  • Coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm flavor that enhances the spiciness of this recipe.
  • Turmeric: Offers a subtle earthiness and vibrant color to the chickpea mixture.
  • Curry Powder: Adds a complex blend of spices that enriches the burger's flavor.
  • Parsley: Freshens up the taste with its bright flavor and adds a pop of color.
  • White Rice Flour: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the burger together while providing a light texture.
  • Gluten-Free Burger Buns: Serves as the base for assembling the burgers, providing structure and convenience.
  • Hummus: Adds creaminess and flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience of this recipe.
  • Pickles: Introduces tanginess and crunch, balancing the flavors in each bite.
  • Red Onion: Offers sharpness and crunch, adding contrast to the other ingredients.
  • Arugula: Provides a peppery freshness that complements the richness of the burger.

How do you remove chickpea skins?

You can remove the chickpea skins by placing them in a bowl and heating them in the microwave for 3 minutes. You can also set the chickpeas in a skillet and cook them for 3 minutes on a medium-high flame. Next, place the warmed chickpeas into a large bowl and rinse them with water. Make sure you rub the chickpeas between your hands while rinsing them with water. The chickpea skins will fall off, leaving behind peeled chickpeas.

Substitutions for this recipe?

If you don't have avocado oil, olive oil can be used for a similar flavor. For gluten-free needs, substitute white rice flour with almond flour or oat flour to maintain texture.

Make-ahead suitability for this recipe?

You can prepare the burger mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows for quick assembly and cooking when you're ready to enjoy the burgers.

Author: Sarah Leadon
Rate
Average: 5 (4 votes)
Total rating includes sum of all comments and anonymous votes.

Click to avoid screen dimming during cooking.

Time & Serves

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Serves
4

Ingredients

Chickpea Burger
  • 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil

  • 1 medium White Onion, minced

  • 1 small Yellow Bell Pepper, minced

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 oz.) can Chickpeas, drained

  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon Coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin

  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric

  • 1/2 teaspoon Curry Powder

  • 1/2 cup freshly chopped Parsley, loosely packed

  • 5 tablespoons White Rice Flour

Sandwich
  • 4 Gluten-Free Burger Buns

  • 1/2 cup Hummus

  • 1/2 cup Pickles

  • 1 small Red Onion, halved, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup Arugula

Instructions

To a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and set it over medium-high heat.

Add the onions and bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until the onions start to soften.

Add the garlic to the onions and bell peppers and cook it for 30 seconds until it is fragrant.

Drain the chickpeas in a colander and then place them into a food processor with the chopping blade.

Add the cooked onions and bell peppers, smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, parsley, and white rice flour to the food processor, and pulse until a thick burger batter forms.

Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of white rice flour onto a baking sheet. Dust your hands with white rice flour. The white rice flour will prevent the chickpea burgers from sticking to your hands and the baking sheet. Divide the burger batter into 4 even sections and form each section into a ball. If the chickpea burger batter feels too sticky, add another tablespoon of white rice flour to make the burger batter easier to handle.

Place the chickpea burgers onto the prepared baking sheet and place a parchment paper square on top of each burger.

Flatten the chickpea burgers slightly with a small glass, then place the burgers into the freezer for 30 minutes.

To a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and set it over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the chickpea burgers and cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, you can also place the chickpea burgers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a 400 °F oven for 20-30 minutes.

To assemble the chickpea burgers, arrange the bottom buns on a serving platter. Smear each bottom with two tablespoons of hummus, then top with the pickles, onions, chickpea burgers, arugula, and the top bun.

Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

More posts by Sarah Leadon

Unlock Exclusive Recipes & More! 🔓

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes, holiday specials, and mouthwatering secrets!

Subscribe

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.