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
PrintGluten-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
Now this I have to try. It looks and sounds delicious. Thank you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! They are so easy!
Hil says
Yummy! Never thought to put panko crumbs in there. What a great idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
We need a crunchy coating for nuggets!
Farrah says
I 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
Any nugget is a good nugget 😉
Genie says
Great idea! Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
karen reekie says
My 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
They will adore these!
Mel says
Your little nuggets look delicious, Rebecca. I love chickpeas so they would be right up my street!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Chickpeas are the best!
Carolyn Ingram says
I can’t wait to try these! I love that they are gluten-free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Enjoy them!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
My little boy would love these Rebecca, I am going to have to try them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know he will 🙂 Yay for nuggets!
Teresa says
These look great, and easy to make – which is definitely a plus in my household!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Easy and quick!
Choclette says
Never mind the kids, I want a plateful of your chickpea nuggets. Love the addition of broccoli too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, that was my line of thinking 😉
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Love how easy these are to make! What a great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Super easy! Thanks!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Awesome healthy lunch option for the kiddies and me!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, yes, adults too!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Love this idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea, thanks!
Jasmine says
These look and sound so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Courtney Byers says
Yum this sounds amazing! I am always looking for healthy recipes, so I will give this a try
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Awesome! I know you’ll enjoy!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
Perfect for the kiddos (or kids at heart like me)!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, exactly 😉
April Kitchens says
This looks so yummy! I love making everything with chickpeas, definitely going to try this out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Never too many chickpeas!
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says
Those sound so tasty! This would be a great way to get my girls to try some new things!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Fun foods that are secretly healthy are always the way!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
Oh wow love these nuggets!! chickpeas are so universal and healthy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are! One of those kitchen staples!
Debra C. says
Yummy crunchy bite
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Your comment is 100%
Yolanda says
I’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
Chickpeas are just the best most versatile legume!
Amanda Elize says
These 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
These are a fun and easy meatless nugget to try!
Heather McMaster says
Since 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
You 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
These look so delicious! Can’t wait to try them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Kate says
These look so yummy! I’m sure my almost 1 year old would love them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O I know so 😉
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
These look like a great finger food! Love how simple they are.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Super fun and great for little hands!
Francesca says
These look great! My kids love all nuggets so I know they would love these !
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
All kids love nuggets!
Marissa says
I love how simple and few ingredients this is! 🙂 I will be trying it this week.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! They are so easy to make!
Theresa | Bridesmaids Confession says
I don’t even have any food allergies and I am wanting to try these! Yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lol, you don’t need them for good food!
Felicia @ The Starving Chef says
We 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
You’ve found your chickpea solution then!
Marina @ Happy Healing says
These 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
Nixing the dairy and eggs is the easiest part!
Debra says
Love the clean ingredient list.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Nice and healthy!
Angie says
This is just what I been looking for! Looks lovely and tasty! Saving this go try!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you, Angie! Enjoy!
Shelby @Fitasamamabear says
Love that there is hidden veggies in them! This makes my day 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Putting veggies in everything I can 😉 You could use cauliflower too and hide the green 😉
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
This is such a great idea! I’m not a kid, but I would love these for dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No kids required 😉
Claire says
Looks good! I have shared it on PainPals regular feature Monday Magic Inspiring Blogs for You! Claire x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Aw, thanks, that’s sweet of you!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
Oh 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
Yea! Super easy and that’s why I love making a big batch for freezing!
Emily Anne says
These look so good!! I’ve been craving nuggets lately and cannot wait to try out this recipe!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This sounds like some perfect timing then!
Taylor Kiser says
Love how easy and healthy these are! Perfect dinner for Meatless Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes they are!
Sarah Althouse says
Yes – 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
Haha, yes! A good one to add to the rotation of nuggets 😉
Kristen Jones says
These sound and look SO delish! I’m definitely saving for later to make this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They make a great weeknight dinner!
Sheena says
This looks delicious, cannot wait to try it 😊
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
The Crumby Vegan says
Ah 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
Right? Haha, so fun!
Chanler Jeffers says
I can’t wait to try these! Thanks so much for the recipe. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks! Let me know when you do!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
These sound so good! A fun snack or dinner for the kids 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Adults too 😉
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
These sound awesome! Can’t wait to give them a try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know you’ll enjoy them!