An easy and healthy meatless nugget that the kids will love! Gluten-free & Vegan Chickpea Nuggets that are top 8 allergy-free, grain-free, and have a secret dose of veggies too! A deliciously fun plant-based recipe for little hands at lunchtime or dinner!
You know how I feel about (chicken) nuggets. They are the best and you know I ate my fair share as a kiddo. They are totally a weekly staple for my brother still; you can’t blame hime though, nuggets are the best! Since I already brought you real gluten-free chicken nuggets last year on the blog, I thought I should probably develop a killer plant-based recipe too!
I think kids love nuggets so much because they are so fun, finger-food/hand-held, and of course dippable! Actually, I don’t “think”, I know! Of course, not all nuggets are created equal. You have your fast food “nuggets”, you’re store bought refrigerated/frozen, or if you are a fancy parent, homemade. Parents usually succumb to the “child calling” for nuggets. Kids should totally be able to have their nuggets for dinner…just healthier.
Healthy nuggets can be parent-approved and kid-approved. No fighting over dinner options, everyone can be happy. Bonus point with these chickpea nuggets is that they are totally 100% adult-friendly to eat too! EVERYONE in the family can have the same chickpea nuggets, feel good about eating them, and feel those beautiful joys of nostalgia while they’re at it!
Let me tell you a bit about these healthy delicious chickpea nuggets. Made completely out of chickpeas with “hidden” broccoli, some spices, and “panko”. The broccoli seals the deal on health and the “panko” is not only gluten-free, but grain-free too! Now, I’ve made these multiple ways now after a reader suggested making them completely grain-free. The typical grain-free nugget option would be some nuts, but were are keeping these nut-free. Next best option? Chickpea crumbs! Take some roasted chickpeas, crush them up, and use them as “panko” breading!
They are the best vegan nuggets I’ve ever had so I’ve been making large batches and freezing them to keep them in stock for weeknight dinners. Believe it or not, I am eating them right now as I write this post (yes, I eat dinner while working)! Don’t worry, if you don’t feel like roasting and crushing your own chickpeas, you can actually buy chickpea crumbs or you can go grain-ful and use my favorite gluten-free panko! It’s up to you and all ways are delicious, nutritious, and nugget-tastic!
Gluten-Free + Vegan Chickpea Nuggets
Gluten-Free + Vegan Chickpea Nuggets (Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)
An easy and healthy meatless nugget that the kids will love! Gluten-free & Vegan Chickpea Nuggets that are top 8 allergy-free, grain-free, and have a secret dose of veggies too! A deliciously fun plant-based recipe for little hands at lunchtime or dinner!
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 18 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 Cups of Chickpeas (about 2 15oz cans)
- 2 Cups Chopped Broccoli (steamed)
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 Cups Chickpea “Panko” Crumbs*
Instructions
- Before you begin, roast the chickpeas (according to this method, without spices) and crush in a plastic bag. Spread them in a plate and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large food processor, process all ingredients (except the chickpea crumbs), until you get a “chunky” hummus texture.
- Form about 18 nuggets (1-2 tablespoons each) with the batter and roll them in the chickpea crumbs.
- Place the breaded nuggets on a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes.
- Serve right away or freeze for later.
Notes
*You can use premade chickpea crumbs or gluten-free panko instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4
So yummy!! You won’t be able to keep the little hands off them (or your own hands off them!) Of course, don’t forget the ketchup either! Nuggets have to be dipped in something, along with a side a fries, like these or how about these? You’ve got yourself and your family a fun meatless meal that will have them running to the dinner table and enjoying all the nuggets they want!
So tell me:
+ Do you have kids that just love nuggets? Do YOU love them?
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Lea says
October 16, 2017 at 3:26 pmNow this I have to try. It looks and sounds delicious. Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 16, 2017 at 4:10 pmThank you! They are so easy!
Hil says
October 13, 2017 at 10:53 pmYummy! Never thought to put panko crumbs in there. What a great idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 14, 2017 at 7:06 amWe need a crunchy coating for nuggets!
Farrah says
October 13, 2017 at 7:00 pmI haven’t had chicken nuggets in forever, but if I had these in my life, I’d never have to go back to those! <3 They look so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 14, 2017 at 7:05 amAny nugget is a good nugget 😉
Genie says
October 13, 2017 at 10:27 amGreat idea! Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 13, 2017 at 11:41 amThanks!
karen reekie says
October 13, 2017 at 8:55 amMy kids like chickpeas so I think I could give these a go and they would happily eat them! They look yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 13, 2017 at 11:40 amThey will adore these!
Mel says
October 13, 2017 at 4:24 amYour little nuggets look delicious, Rebecca. I love chickpeas so they would be right up my street!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 13, 2017 at 7:25 amChickpeas are the best!
Carolyn Ingram says
October 12, 2017 at 4:09 pmI can’t wait to try these! I love that they are gluten-free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 12, 2017 at 5:56 pmEnjoy them!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
October 12, 2017 at 3:43 amMy little boy would love these Rebecca, I am going to have to try them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 12, 2017 at 7:06 amI know he will 🙂 Yay for nuggets!
Teresa says
October 11, 2017 at 2:36 pmThese look great, and easy to make – which is definitely a plus in my household!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 11, 2017 at 2:57 pmEasy and quick!
Choclette says
October 11, 2017 at 3:37 amNever mind the kids, I want a plateful of your chickpea nuggets. Love the addition of broccoli too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 11, 2017 at 7:39 amHaha, that was my line of thinking 😉
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
October 10, 2017 at 9:08 pmLove how easy these are to make! What a great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 11, 2017 at 7:38 amSuper easy! Thanks!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
October 10, 2017 at 4:15 pmAwesome healthy lunch option for the kiddies and me!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 5:36 pmHaha, yes, adults too!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
October 10, 2017 at 4:12 pmLove this idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 5:36 pmYea, thanks!
Jasmine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:04 pmThese look and sound so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:08 pmThank you!
Courtney Byers says
October 10, 2017 at 1:59 pmYum this sounds amazing! I am always looking for healthy recipes, so I will give this a try
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:08 pmAwesome! I know you’ll enjoy!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
October 10, 2017 at 10:13 amPerfect for the kiddos (or kids at heart like me)!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:08 pmHaha, exactly 😉
April Kitchens says
October 10, 2017 at 8:17 amThis looks so yummy! I love making everything with chickpeas, definitely going to try this out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:07 pmNever too many chickpeas!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says
October 10, 2017 at 6:27 amThose sound so tasty! This would be a great way to get my girls to try some new things!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:07 pmYes! Fun foods that are secretly healthy are always the way!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
October 9, 2017 at 11:55 pmOh wow love these nuggets!! chickpeas are so universal and healthy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:06 pmThey are! One of those kitchen staples!
Debra C. says
October 9, 2017 at 11:14 pmYummy crunchy bite
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:05 pmYour comment is 100%
Yolanda says
October 9, 2017 at 10:03 pmI’m always looking for new ways to eat chickpeas, so this is perfect! My son would love this in his lunch for school too. Saving to make later 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:04 pmChickpeas are just the best most versatile legume!
Amanda Elize says
October 9, 2017 at 9:42 pmThese looks so easy to make and especially delicious! My family and I have recently started to try vegan recipes so I’ll definitely keep this in mind!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:04 pmThese are a fun and easy meatless nugget to try!
Heather McMaster says
October 9, 2017 at 8:46 pmSince finding out that I am allergic to gluten, I have had such a difficult time finding delicious recipes that don’t have gluten. I definitely have to try this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:04 pmYou can’t be allergic to gluten (that’s not how to protein and body reaction work), but this is a delicious recipe regardless.
The Muddled Mum says
October 9, 2017 at 7:24 pmThese look so delicious! Can’t wait to try them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:03 pmThank you!
Kate says
October 9, 2017 at 6:35 pmThese look so yummy! I’m sure my almost 1 year old would love them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:02 pmO I know so 😉
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
October 9, 2017 at 6:35 pmThese look like a great finger food! Love how simple they are.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 10, 2017 at 2:02 pmYes! Super fun and great for little hands!
Francesca says
October 9, 2017 at 5:07 pmThese look great! My kids love all nuggets so I know they would love these !
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 5:42 pmAll kids love nuggets!
Marissa says
October 9, 2017 at 5:04 pmI love how simple and few ingredients this is! 🙂 I will be trying it this week.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 5:42 pmYes! They are so easy to make!
Theresa | Bridesmaids Confession says
October 9, 2017 at 3:36 pmI don’t even have any food allergies and I am wanting to try these! Yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 4:22 pmLol, you don’t need them for good food!
Felicia @ The Starving Chef says
October 9, 2017 at 3:23 pmWe randomly have a ton of chickpeas at my house – you make me really want to try to make these nuggets!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 4:22 pmYou’ve found your chickpea solution then!
Marina @ Happy Healing says
October 9, 2017 at 2:51 pmThese look incredible, and I love the list of ingredients! I’m trying to work on becoming vegan (I’m currently a vegetarian) so I love learning recipes like this. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 3:00 pmNixing the dairy and eggs is the easiest part!
Debra says
October 9, 2017 at 2:19 pmLove the clean ingredient list.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:59 pmNice and healthy!
Angie says
October 9, 2017 at 1:53 pmThis is just what I been looking for! Looks lovely and tasty! Saving this go try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:05 pmThank you, Angie! Enjoy!
Shelby @Fitasamamabear says
October 9, 2017 at 12:50 pmLove that there is hidden veggies in them! This makes my day 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:05 pmPutting veggies in everything I can 😉 You could use cauliflower too and hide the green 😉
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
October 9, 2017 at 12:24 pmThis is such a great idea! I’m not a kid, but I would love these for dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:04 pmNo kids required 😉
Claire says
October 9, 2017 at 12:00 pmLooks good! I have shared it on PainPals regular feature Monday Magic Inspiring Blogs for You! Claire x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:04 pmAw, thanks, that’s sweet of you!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
October 9, 2017 at 11:38 amOh my gosh – this is SO creative! What a great way to get such healthy nutrients in a meal. I love that you can basically throw everything in the food processor and make it do all the “heavy lifting.” 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:03 pmYea! Super easy and that’s why I love making a big batch for freezing!
Emily Anne says
October 9, 2017 at 10:13 amThese look so good!! I’ve been craving nuggets lately and cannot wait to try out this recipe!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:02 pmThis sounds like some perfect timing then!
Taylor Kiser says
October 9, 2017 at 10:10 amLove how easy and healthy these are! Perfect dinner for Meatless Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:02 pmYes they are!
Sarah Althouse says
October 9, 2017 at 9:35 amYes – I love chicken nuggets and unfortunately don’t always eat the healthy ones! These would be a much better option.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:02 pmHaha, yes! A good one to add to the rotation of nuggets 😉
Kristen Jones says
October 9, 2017 at 9:23 amThese sound and look SO delish! I’m definitely saving for later to make this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:01 pmThey make a great weeknight dinner!
Sheena says
October 9, 2017 at 9:21 amThis looks delicious, cannot wait to try it 😊
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:01 pmThank you!
The Crumby Vegan says
October 9, 2017 at 9:19 amAh these look so great! You’ve really done a great job of making them look like nuggets. Will pass this recipe on to my husband 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:01 pmRight? Haha, so fun!
Chanler Jeffers says
October 9, 2017 at 9:11 amI can’t wait to try these! Thanks so much for the recipe. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:00 pmThanks! Let me know when you do!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
October 9, 2017 at 8:58 amThese sound so good! A fun snack or dinner for the kids 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:00 pmYes! Adults too 😉
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
October 9, 2017 at 8:21 amThese sound awesome! Can’t wait to give them a try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 9, 2017 at 2:00 pmI know you’ll enjoy them!