• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Sourdough
      • Gluten-Free Sourdough
      • Sourdough Discard
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
Vanilla And Bean

Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • A little bit about me…
    • Contact
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Veggie Burgers / BBQ Chickpea Veggie Burgers

BBQ Chickpea Veggie Burgers

By Traci · Jump to Recipe ·

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

Delicious, texture rich and with that BBQ flavor we crave! This recipe for chickpea burgers is easy to make, freezer friendly and is make ahead ready. Like my popular Black Bean Walnut Burgers, this flavorful veggie burger recipe can be grilled or pan fried too. Pile your favorite toppings on, we’re making vegetarian and vegan chickpea burgers y’all! This recipe is also easily gluten free.

Chickpea Burger with lettuce, tomato and onion rings between two buns.

Table of Contents

  • Chickpea Burgers, the Ultimate Comfort Food
  • Ingredients for Chickpea Burgers
  • Quick Guide: How to Make BBQ Vegetarian or Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers
  • How to Store Chickpea Veggie Burgers
  • Serving Suggestions for Chickpea Burgers
  • Sides to Share with Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers
  • A Few Recipe Notes
  • More Veggie Burger Recipes to Love
  • BBQ Chickpea Veggie Burgers Recipe

Chickpea Burgers, the Ultimate Comfort Food

Easy to pull together and ideal for meal prep, these hearty vegetarian and vegan chickpea veggie burgers are full of wholesome, good for you ingredients. 

Not the kind you can buy in the store, but the ones you make at home, prepared and frozen ahead of when you need. Pull em’ out of the freezer a few hours or the morning before you need them, and wallah! 

If you love veggie burgers with chickpeas, you’ll also love these Spicy Cajun Chickpea Burgers With Jalapeño Aioli.

Homemade chickpea veggie burgers are the ultimate comfort food. With a tangy Bourbon BBQ Sauce, these are perfect for spring and summer BBQs because they’re grillable! Hooray! Serve em up with Crispy Oven Fries, your favorite Green Olive and Egg Potato Salad and Brocollini Slaw, toast the buns and dinner is done! 

Ingredients for Vegetarian and Vegan Chickpea Burgers

Ingredients for Chickpea Burgers

For this recipe, we’re using chickpeas which are sticky by nature, and are fiber and protein rich. They make an excellent base for vegetarian and vegan veggie burgers.

Flavor builders such as smoky paprika, garlic, vegan Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, and liquid smoke also add moisture so the veggie burgers hold together. To aid egg free veggie burger binding, choose between chickpea (garbanzo) flour or whole wheat flour. Either work!

For texture and bulk I include ingredients like cauliflower, rolled oats, and walnuts. Then there’s sautéed red onions that add to the mouthwatering flavor profile. 

Toasted walnuts in a cast iron sillet.   Sauted' onions in a cast iron skillet. Raw cauliflower in a food processor work bowl.   Riced cauliflower in a food processor work bowl. Chickpeas, walnuts and onions in the work bowl of a food processor.   Processed chickpeas, walnuts and onions in the work bowl of a food processor. Spices and oat flour in the work bowl of a food processor.   Spices and oat flour in the work bowl of a food processor, post processing.

Quick Guide: How to Make BBQ Vegetarian or Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers

These Chickpea Burgers are simple to pull together and with mostly pantry staples. In summary, here’s how to make mouthwatering BBQ veggie burgers (see recipe card for details):

  • First, dry toast the walnuts in a pan.
  • Second, sauté the onions that’ll be used in the patties.
  • Third, toss the ingredients in a food processor in three batches. Transfer each batch to a large mixing bowl. 
  • Fourth, using your hands, mix all the ingredients together in the bowl. 
  • Next, portion, shape and chill the chickpea patties.
  • Last, cook the patties in a skillet or on the grill.

Plan ahead so that the chickpea patties have time to rest in the fridge. Although this step can be skipped, the burgers hold together better and the flavors have time to marry with a refrigerator rest.

For a most mouthwatering experience, try slathering these burgers with my Homemade Bourbon BBQ Sauce!

Vegan Chickpea Burger raw ingredients in a bowl.   Mixing raw veggie burger ingredients in a bowl with hands. A portion of raw chickpea veggie burger ingredients in a 1/2 C scoop.   Rolling the chickpea burgers recipe into balls.

How to Store Chickpea Veggie Burgers

Refrigerator: Store raw or cooked patties in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer: The chickpea patties can either be frozen raw or after cooking for the ultimate convenience. For frozen patties, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and either reheat in a warm oven or cook/grill as directed.

Serving Suggestions for Chickpea Burgers

Chickpea veggie patties hold up to just about any condiments you can throw at it. Try some variations to see what makes your toes curl!

  • Extra Tall: Onion rings with all the classic condiments are fabulous on this burger. Stack em tall then gently smoosh it all together!
  • Classic: Mayo, a quick aioli (mayo mixed with minced garlic and lemon juice) and/or mustard with pickles, lettuce, onion and tomato.
  • Go old School: Simply dress with mayo and ketchup, top with pickles and cheese du jour.
  • BBQ Burger:  Add cheddar cheese just before pulling the patties off the grill or pan and drizzle a bit of Homemade Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce over the top for some amazing BBQ burgers! Slather the grilled buns with a bit of mayo and/or mustard. Don’t forget the pickles! 
  • Caramelized Onions: Y’all are loving the saucy sweet onions on this Black Bean Burger! Well, they’re just as fabulous on this chickpea burger! 

Chickpea burger raw ingredients rolled into balls on a parchment lined sheet pan.   Vegetarian Chickpea Patties on a parchment lined sheet pan. Chickpea burger patties on a grill.   Pan fried chickpea patties in a cast iron skillet.

Sides to Share with Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers

This recipe for chickpea burgers is hearty enough shared on its own, however, no BBQ is complete without some delicious sides! Here are recipes we love with this healthy chickpea veggie burger recipe:

  • Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad
  • Sweet Pea Radish Salad
  • Green Olive and Egg Potato Salad
  • BBQ Baked Beans
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob
  • Crispy Oven Fries
  • Broccoli Slaw
  • Texas Potato Salad
  • Carrot Raisin Salad with Pineapple

Chickpea Burger on a board with condiment piled high, between two buns.

Boring but important! Take a look at the recipe card notes if egg-free veggie burgers are new territory.

A Few Recipe Notes

  • BBQ Sauce for Veggie Burger: I like Homemade Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce to top this chickpea burger recipe, but a favorite prepared BBQ sauce will be delicious as well.
  • Cheese? Optional! Use your favorite cheese on this chickpea burger recipe. My favorites are medium cheddar, Swiss or provolone. For dairy free, try Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda.
  • Make Ahead: This chickpea burger recipe is freezer friendly before or after cooking the patties. Simply freeze on a parchment lined sheet pan. Once frozen, stack the patties between parchment paper and store in a freezer bag or container for up to three weeks.
  • Chill the Patties: Resting the burgers in the fridge does take a bit of pre planning, but is needed to hydrate the oats and help hold the burgers together. It also marries the flavors.
  • Grillable Veggie Burger: You can grill or pan fry this chickpeas veggie burger recipe! Hooray! Handle with care for delicious results.

More Veggie Burger Recipes to Love

  • Black Bean Burgers with Saucy Sweet Onions
  • Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers – Cajun Style
  • Sweet Potato Burgers
Closeup of Chickpea Burger with lettuce, tomato and onion rings between two buns.
Print Recipe

BBQ Chickpea Veggie Burgers Recipe

Prep Time:35 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Rest time:1 hour
Servings:6 , 1/2 C (133g) Patties
Calories:309kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
A flavorful veggie burger recipe that can be grilled or pan fried. Delicious, texture rich and with that BBQ flavor we all crave! Pile all your favorite toppings on, we're making vegetarian and vegan chickpea burgers y'all!
___________________
See recipe notes below if making gluten free burgers.
This recipe makes 6, 1/2 C (133g) patties or for smaller portions, 9, 1/3 C (85g) patties.
*Note that there is some overlap with prep and cook time, so the hands on recipe time is about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

  • 1 C (110g) Walnuts
  • 1 tsp Vegetable Oil like olive oil
  • 1/2 C (60g) Red Onion small dice
  • 3 C (265g) Cauliflower Florets in medium chunks, about 1/2 a medium head to yield about 2 C 'riced' cauliflower
  • 2 C (439g) Cooked Chickpeas one can, drained, rinsed & patted dry
  • 3/4 C (75g) Rolled Oats
  • 1/4 C (30g) Chickpea Flour aka Garbanzo Bean Flour (or sub whole wheat flour)*
  • 2 Tbs each, Prepared Yellow Mustard and Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Liquid Smoke
  • 2 tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3 tsp Smoky Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Granules or garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp fine Sea Salt
  • A few shakes of Tabasco optional
  • Vegetable Oil for frying or grilling, I like olive or coconut

Share With (optional):

  • Smoky Bourbon Homemade BBQ Sauce or favorite prepared BBQ sauce
  • Favorite Burger Buns
  • Cheese of Choice
  • Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions or onion rings, mustard, mayo.

Instructions

To Make the Patties:

  • In a medium saute pan, add the walnuts and toast on medium-low for about 6-7 minutes until toasty and fragrant, tossing occasionally so that they toast evenly. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
    Wipe out the pan, and add 1 tsp vegetable oil. Once shimmering, saute the onions on medium-low for about 5-6 minutes, or until just soft. Transfer the onions to the bowl with the walnuts. Set aside.
  • To the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the S blade, add the cauliflower chunks and pulse until it looks like short grain rice - or in small bits like couscous (don't over process as it can turn mushy). You'll need about 2 C (265g) 'riced' cauliflower. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • To the work bowl of the food processor, add the chickpeas, walnuts and onions. Pulse until crumbly. Some small chunks are good! Transfer to the large mixing bowl with the cauliflower.
  • To the work bowl of the food processor, add the oats, chickpea flour, mustard, ketchup, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, salt and Tabasco if using. Process until a the mixture is thick, crumbly and a bit pasty. Transfer to the large mixing bowl with all the other ingredients.
  • Using your hands, mix thoroughly squeezing and pushing the mixture together. Be patient here, it takes a few minutes. The mixture should hold together when squeezed in a fist.

To Portion:

  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and make room in the fridge for the pan.
    Use a 1/2 cup (133g) scoop for 6 patties OR 1/3 cup (85g) scoop for 9 patties to portion the patties. Roll each into a ball. Using the back of a metal measuring cup with a small piece of parchment under it, press each ball into a patty using gentle pressure to about 1/4"- 1/2" (.6 – 1.2 cm) thick. Place the patties on the parchment lined sheet pan and transfer to the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors can marry and to hydrate the flour/oats.
    *I've fried these patties without resting for an hour in the fridge, and they were okay, although a little more tender.
    To Freeze (optional): at this point the raw patties can be frozen. Slide the pan in the freezer for one hour then stack the patties between parchment squares and into a freezer bag for longer storage.

To Cook:

  • Preheat the oven to 200F (95C) and line a sheet-pan with parchment paper. Place the pan in the oven. This will keep the patties warm after they’re cooked.
  • In the Skillet: Add two to three Tbs of oil to a cast iron skillet on medium heat. Heat until shimmering. Add three patties. Be sure to give them plenty of room. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as needed and being careful when flipping a patty. Slide the patty on the parchment lined sheet pan in the oven. Sprinkle with sea salt. Finish cooking the remaining patties adding more oil as needed.
    OR
    On the Gas Grill: Clean grill and oil with vegetable oil (like canola or olive oil). Heat a gas grill on highest setting. Brush both sides of the veggie burger with oil and gently transfer to the grilling grates or a grill pan (use a grill pan if the grates of your grill are thin). Cook for about 5 - 6 minutes on each side, taking care when flipping the patties. Adjust heat as needed so that the burgers don't burn. Add cheese if desired just a few minutes prior to removing them from the grill or pan. Cook those final few minutes with lid on to melt the cheese.
    To keep warm, transfer the patties to the preheated oven.
  • Just before serving, brush or drizzle warm BBQ sauce on the patties. Share with your favorite condiments.

To Store:

  • After cooking the patties, store in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to three weeks.
    When freezing the patties, freeze first on a parchment lined sheet pan. Once frozen, stack patties between parchment squares and place in a freezer bag.Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat at 400F (200C) for about 15 minutes.

Notes

*Flour: I tested both chickpea flour and whole wheat flour in this recipe. I prefer chickpea because it holds things together more effectively. The patties were a wee bit more tender with whole wheat flour. 
Gluten Free: To make these patties gluten free, use gluten free crolled oats, Worcestershire sauce and chickpea flour. 
New to Homemade Veggie Burgers? It has been my experience that homemade egg-free veggie burgers have a tenderness and squeeze-out factor. When preparing the burgers, handle them carefully after forming the patties. There will be a bit of squeeze-out when biting into the burger. I usually end up with a fork in my hand to finish off a veggie burger. To me, these are acceptable characteristics of homemade veggie burgers.
Recipe adapted from my Grillable Black Bean Burgers. Hero shots inspired by People Magazine. 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Serving: 1, 1/2 C patty | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 672mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

You might also like:

Best bean burgers on a board topped with saucy onions and guacamole.

Black Bean Walnut Burgers with Saucy Sweet Onions

Tangy, hearty and pure comfort food! BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls | Vegan, Vegetarian, Recipe

BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls

Pulled Portobello Vegan BBQ Sandwich with slaw on a cutting board.

Pulled Portobello BBQ Sandwiches

Overhead shot of Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegetable Kebabs on a pan with a brush of BBQ sauce ready to eat.

Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegetable Kebabs

Shares1.4kPinShareYummly

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive free sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review the Vanilla And Bean privacy policy.
Previous Post: « Green Olive and Egg Potato Salad
Next Post: Broccolini Slaw Recipe with Raisins and Walnuts »

Primary Sidebar

well hello!

I’m Traci and this is my blog. So Glad You Stopped By!

Here you’ll find full of flavor vegetarian comfort food with vegan and gluten free recipes too. I also share sourdough, sweets and naturally sweetened baked goods and desserts recipes because we all gotta have a little balance!

Learn More About Traci  or  The Blog.

Get on the List!

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

Right this Way to Subscribe

Start Here!

Why vegetarian, what you’ll find on Vanilla And Bean and fan favorites all right here!

Right this Way to Start

Footer

Affiliate Info

Vanilla And Bean is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and/or purchase an item after clicking on a link, Vanilla And Bean may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use through my affiliate links. To learn more please see my Affiliate Policy. Thank you for your support!

© Vanilla And Bean, LLC  – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any content or images without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is prohibited. Licensing inquiries for publication, general distribution, and/or commercial use, please contact me on my contact page.

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean · Website by Meyne

Menu

Home · Recipes · Contact · Privacy Policy
Terms of Use · Accessibility · California Privacy Notice

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean On Genesis Framework · Log in

Get On The List!
Get On The List!
_____________________

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, as well as my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox.

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
  • Recipes
    ▼
    • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      ▼
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Seasonal Recipes
      ▼
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Sourdough
      ▼
      • Sourdough Discard Recipes
      • Gluten Free Sourdough
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      ▼
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter!
  • Start Here
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
    ▼
    • Contact
    • A little bit about me…
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
Vanilla And Bean and our partners use cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn More

COOKIE SETTINGS   ACCEPT
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
__cfduid14 weeksThe cookie is set by CloudFare. The cookie is used to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address d apply security settings on a per-client basis. It doesnot correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
OptanonConsent01 yearTracks users cookie consent preferences
viewed_cookie_policy011 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Advertisement
CookieTypeDurationDescription
IDE12 yearsUsed by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE15 monthsThis cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_ga02 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid01 dayThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id16 monthsProvided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
GPS030 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_gat01 minuteThis cookies is installed by Google Universal Analytics to throttle the request rate to limit the colllection of data on high traffic sites.
YSC1This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
YTCpersistent10 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube to manage the embed and viewing of videos