Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (2024)

Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Hand-Held » Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers

posted: 05/23/13 — updated: 03/04/22 by Deryn Macey Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe·★★★★★4.9 from 237 reviews

These spicy chickpea veggie burgers are easy to make and always a big hit it. Bonus: they don’t fall apart!

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (1)

If you’re looking for the best homemade veggie burgers, you’re in luck!

These chickpea burgers have been a reader favourite since 2013. They have the most amazing flavour and most importantly, they don’t fall apart.

The patties are great for building a classic burger but they’re also perfect for a healthy snack or adding to salads and wraps. You can even make them as sliders or nuggets for a party appetizer.

The recipe is easy to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand and they make a great veggie option for BBQ’s and summer get-togethers. From vegans to vegetarians and even meat-lovers, these are always a hit.

Enjoy these delicious veggie burgers any night of the week for a meatless meal the whole family will love.

Table of Contents

Recipe Features

  • Vegan and can be made gluten-free and nut-free.
  • Can be grilled, pan-fried or baked.
  • Hundreds of 5-star reviews so you can make these chickpea burgers with confidence!
  • Super easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • The patties hold together through cooking and eating.
  • Make the burgers in advance and stored in fridge or freezer.
  • No raw eggs to deal with.
  • Enjoy these healthy homemade veggie burgers as an alternative to store-bought veggie burgers.

Ingredient Notes

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (2)

This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.

  • Chickpeas: The recipe uses 1 19 oz can, or 2 cups of cooked chickpeas. Rinse and drain well if you’re using canned chickpeas.
  • Red Onion: Red onion adds the best flavour to the patties. The next best option is shallots, followed by white or yellow onion, or green onion (scallion).
  • Zucchini: You’ll need 1 small zucchini or about 1 cup lightly packed. You do not need to drain or peel it.
  • Cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute fresh basil or parsley.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: I like red wine vinegar best in these but you can substitute balsamic vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Sriracha: Adds a bit of heat to the patties. They aren’t overly spicy but you can omit this if you’re sensitive to spice. Chili garlic paste or sambal oelek would work as a substitute, otherwise, you can use any hot sauce you enjoy such as Frank’s or buffalo sauce.
  • Peanut Butter: Substitute almond butter for a peanut-free recipe. For a nut-free recipe, you can use tahini or sunflower seed butter. I prefer the flavour of sunflower seed butter over tahini in these.
  • Spices: You’ll need cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Note it’s a full 2 teaspoons of black pepper which adds quite a quick so considering starting with 1 tsp and adjusting to your preference.
  • Oats: Quick oats are used because they’re finer than rolled oats so they help the burgers hold together better. You can also use instant oats. If you only have rolled oats, those work too but I’d suggest letting the raw mixture sit for at least 10 minutes so they have more time to absorb moisture. Note the burgers are naturally gluten-free but be sure to use gluten-free certified oats if needed. Do not use steel cut oats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chickpeas. You can either mash them in a bowl with a fork or pulse them a few times in a food processor.

You just want to break them down a bit and create texture, not pulverize them or turn them into a paste.

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (3)

Step 2: Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. I’d suggest doing this in a bowl and using your hands, though you can use a food processor if you like.

Just be sure you don’t over mix it. It should have some texture to it and not be totally smooth.

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Step 3: Form 6-8 patties using your hands. You can do 6 large burgers, stretch it to 8 smaller patties or even make 12-16 slider or nugget-sized patties.

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (5)

Step 4: Cook the patties on a BBQ or grill, in the oven or in a pan on the stovetop.

  • Pan-Frying: Heat oil or use a little cooking spray in a large skillet or cast-iron pan. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side until browned and firm.
  • Oven Baked: Preheat oven to 400 F then cook the patties for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  • BBQ/Grill: Heat the BBQ then cook the patties for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and crispy.
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Serving

  • Low-Carb Option: Wrap in lettuce with mustard, onion, tomato and any other burger toppings you enjoy.
  • Classic Burger: Stack on a toasted bun and top with ketchup, mustard, onion, lettuce, tomato and any other burger toppings you enjoy.
  • Try quick pickled red onion or roasted red peppers for toppings.
  • Wraps: Try a patty in a wrap with spinach, avocado and any sauce you enjoy.
  • Appetizer Option: For a party appetizer, use the mixture to make nugget-sized patties and serve with honey mustard, sweet chili sauce or plum sauce for dipping. This also works to make sliders.
  • This homemade cashew spicy mayo, vegan tzatziki, cheese sauce or chipotle sauce make a yummy sauce for your burger.
  • Burgers are always delicious served with a side of fries!
Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (7)

FAQs

What does the peanut butter do?

The peanut butter acts as a binding agent and adds moisture and flavour. If you can’t use peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter to make the recipe peanut-free.

If you have a nut-allergy, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead for a nut-free recipe.

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

You can but quick oats are used because they’re finer than rolled oats so they absorb more moisture and help with binding the burgers.

If you’re using rolled oats or old fashioned oats you can either pulse them in a food processor a few times to break them down before use, or let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before forming the patties to allow the oats to absorb moisture.

Can I omit the oil?

You can but I prefer the texture with oil. If you omit it consider adding an addition tablespoon of nut or seed butter to account for the moisture.

Some readers have used aquafaba (chickpea cooking liquid) to replace the oil, so that’s an option as well.

Making Ahead & Storing

  • Fridge: Cooked patties can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Cooked patties can be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw briefly at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat your burgers in a pan or in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 350 F until heated through. They can be reheated in the microwave but get a bit soggy. You can also enjoy them cold.
  • Make in Advance: Raw patties can be prepared 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container or covered on a plate until you’re ready to cook them.

More Recipes

  • Quinoa Beet Burger: These pink veggie patties feature beet, onion, oats and quinoa for a super healthy and flavourful result.
  • Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers: Nutritious black bean and sweet potato patties that are perfect for making burgers or adding to salads.
  • Vegan Kale Caesar Salad: The perfect salad to pair with your chickpea burger!
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps: Switch things up and try these addictive buffalo cauliflower wraps with ranch sauce (or try the ranch sauce for these burgers).
  • Buffalo Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Buffalo sauce-coated chickpeas in a baked sweet potato topped with ranch sauce and avocado.

Print

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (8)

Chickpea Veggie Burgers

★★★★★4.9 from 237 reviews

  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 burgers
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

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Description

These easy to make veggie burgers are bursting with flavour and make an excellent alternative to store-bought versions. Try them on the BBQ for a delicious meal perfect for a summer afternoon.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, place them in a bowl and mash them with a fork or pulse a few times with an immersion blender.
  2. Add all the other ingredients to the bowl and use your hands to mix very well.
  3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into into 6-8 patties.
  4. Cook on the BBQ at 400 F for approximately 10 minutes per side or heat 1-2 tsp oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side until browned and firm. The patties can also be oven-baked at 400 F for 20-30 minutes, flipping half-way through.
  5. Serve on a toasted bun with your favourite burger toppings like lettuce, onion, tomato, ketchup and mustard.

Notes

Cooked burgers can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 4 days or frozen in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 350 F until heated through.

Please review the post above the recipe for FAQs, tips and substitutions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 5.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g

Keywords: chickpea burgers, chickpea veggie burgers, best veggie burgers

Originally published May 23, 2013.

Freezer-Friendly Gluten-Free Hand-Held Less than 30 Minutes Low-Fat Main Dishes Recipes Soy-Free Spring Sugar-Free Summer

posted by Deryn Macey on May 23, 2013

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787 comments on “Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers”

  1. Abi February 28, 2024 @ 3:05 pm Reply

    I had so much hope for these burgers- the mix tasted delicious, but the burgers fell apart in both a pan and oven preparation. 🙁
    Perhaps I didn’t use enough oats or maybe the quick oats were the problem? I’ll definitely try again and be more precise in my measurements.
    Any suggestions? Not giving up yet! Need a sodium-controlled plant based burger option for the house.

    • Deryn Macey February 28, 2024 @ 3:12 pm Reply

      Hmm, I’ve never had these fall apart! Did you make any changes to the recipe? Measure accurately?

  2. Ari January 20, 2024 @ 1:02 pm Reply

    I tried today and was so tasty. Nobody in my family are vegan, and yet was perfect! Thanks for share this amazing recipe.

Best Chickpea Burger Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep chickpea burgers from falling apart? ›

Without a binder, your burger might completely crumble and fall apart the second it hits the grill or when you bite into it. → Follow this tip: Veggie burgers need a sturdy binder to hold everything together. This can be anything from eggs to a mixture of ground flax and water, wheat germ, breadcrumbs, or oats.

Are chickpea burgers good for you? ›

Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are so healthy and a great source of protein and fiber! I always have a can on hand in the pantry, so that I can easily whip up a batch of hummus, chickpea salad, or these scrumptious chickpea patties.

How much protein is in a chickpea burger? ›

Chickpea Veggie Burgers
Typical ValuesPer 100gburger (125g)
Total Carbohydrates31.2g39g
Sugars5.5g6.9g
Dietary Fiber5.9g7.4g
Protein5.6g7g
6 more rows
May 30, 2019

What is chickpea patties made of? ›

In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, all purpose flour, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add two tablespoons of water and use a fork or masher to combine the ingredients until they are well blended. Divide the mixture into 6 equal parts and form into thin patties.

What is a good binder for veggie burgers? ›

Eggs are the most common and effective binder, and egg replacers are an excellent alternative for vegan burgers. Other common binders include wheat germ, bread crumbs, oats, and ground flaxseeds.

What can I use to bind bean burgers? ›

Consider incorporating ingredients like breadcrumbs, brown rice, quick oats, whole wheat flour, or panko to bind the mixture together. These ingredients not only add texture but also help absorb excess moisture. NOTE: use quick oats as they will hold the burger together much better than regular rolled oats.

Which is healthier chickpeas or garbanzo beans? ›

Are there differences in nutrients between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? No, chickpeas and garbanzo beans do not have a nutritional difference, as they are the same type of legume.

Is chickpea good or bad for weight loss? ›

Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, and low in glycemic index. All this makes chickpeas great for weight loss, as they promote a feeling of fullness. Not to mention, chickpeas also reduce your appetite and can hence help you achieve your weight loss goals.

What has more protein eggs or chickpeas? ›

With about 6 grams of protein apiece, eggs are an excellent source of this vital nutrient. But lots of other foods offer as much or more. For example, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) provide nearly 8 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. People have enjoyed them since the days of ancient Egypt.

Are chickpeas more protein or carbs? ›

Packed with nutrients. Chickpeas boast an impressive nutritional profile. They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat ( 1 ).

Which chickpea has highest protein? ›

Black chickpeas are slightly higher in protein and fibre than white chickpeas, and they also contain more iron, folate, and antioxidants. On the other hand, white chickpeas are slightly lower in calories and carbohydrates than black chickpeas, making them a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.

What is the binding agent for chickpea patties? ›

Chia seeds and ground flax seed – as the patties do not contain egg or breadcrumbs, we use the chia seeds and ground flax seeds to bind them together. Rice flour and olive oil – we coat the patties in the flour before frying in olive oil. This helps give them a slightly crispy exterior.

What is the difference between garbanzo flour and chickpea? ›

Besan flour, gram flour, and garbanzo bean flour are all chickpea flours; they're just made from different varieties of chickpeas. Chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour is milled using whole white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Besan or gram flour is made by grinding split brown chickpeas (chana dal) into a fine powder.

Are chickpeas just garbanzo beans? ›

Although their names are very different, garbanzo beans and chickpeas refer to the same bean. And to confuse things a little more, chickpeas are beans, not peas. "They are the same, one is obviously more Anglophile," says Steve Sando, the founder of heirloom bean company Rancho Gordo.

How to make veggie burgers hold together? ›

Short grain brown rice, panko bread crumbs, and ground flaxseed help these burgers hold together. DON'T use long-grain brown rice here. It's not as sticky as short grain rice, so it doesn't yield cohesive patties.

How do you cook chickpeas so they don't fall apart? ›

To control the texture of your chickpeas, adjust the lid while simmering. For firmer beans that hold their shape well, simmer with the lid completely off. These are great for bean salads and vegetarian chili. For softer, creamier beans that easily break down, simmer with the lid slightly ajar.

How do you keep veggie burgers from being mushy? ›

But through my Made by Lukas veggie burger business, I spent many, many hours cooking off free veggie burger samples for shoppers in frigid dairy departments of grocery stores, where I learned that one way to solve for mushy veggie burgers is to just cook them bit longer, and slower, on sightly lower heat, and to even ...

How to cook veggie burgers so they don't fall apart? ›

Cook them in batches if your pan isn't large enough. Place the burgers in the pan or on the grill and don't touch them until they sear. If you try to move them too early, they will stick and break apart. When a burger is ready to be moved, it will release easily from the pan or grill.

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