Spicy Chickpea Sliders

Name: Spicy Chickpea Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 sliders
Ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying; Slider buns; Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your choices

Highlighted under: Wellness Cooking

I absolutely love making Spicy Chickpea Sliders because they are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional burgers. The combination of spices and chickpeas creates a delicious patty that’s both satisfying and nutritious. I often whip these up for casual dinners or gatherings; they always impress friends and family. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them a fantastic option for weeknight meals. Pair them with your favorite toppings, and you've got a meal everyone will enjoy!

Created by

Isla Weatherford

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:45:35.769Z

Creating Spicy Chickpea Sliders has been a delightful journey in my kitchen! I discovered that adding cumin and paprika to the chickpeas makes all the difference, infusing them with a rich, savory flavor. The first time I served these sliders, they disappeared in no time!

One important tip I've learned is to let the mixture rest for a few minutes before forming the patties. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the sliders easier to handle when frying. Trust me, it's a game changer!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        A kick of spice that excites your palate
Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying bite
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces

      

Crafting the Perfect Patty

The texture of your Spicy Chickpea Sliders is crucial for achieving the perfect bite. Aim for a mix that is moist but not overly wet, which can be achieved by ensuring there’s enough breadcrumb to bind the ingredients. If you find the mixture to be too runny, add a little extra breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This will help your patties hold their shape during cooking, avoiding any crumbling.

Cooking these sliders in a preheated skillet helps create a nice sear that locks in flavors. Use medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring an even cook. You’re looking for that golden-brown color on the outside, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. If you’re unsure, gently press the patty with a spatula; if it springs back, it’s likely cooked through. However, be careful to avoid excessive flipping, as this can make them fall apart.

Customizing Your Experience

One of the best aspects of these sliders is their versatility. You can swap out chickpeas for black beans or lentils if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, which may require adjustments in breadcrumbs or spices. I personally enjoy adding a tablespoon of sriracha to the mixture for an extra kick, but feel free to experiment with different heat levels to suit your palate.

Don’t shy away from pairing these sliders with bold toppings! While the classic lettuce and tomato work well, consider options like pickled onions or jalapeños for added zing. You could also make a simple yogurt-based sauce with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and lemon juice to drizzle on top, which enhances both flavor and presentation, making your sliders look as good as they taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the sliders:

For the Sliders

1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Slider buns
Toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your choices

Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your Spicy Chickpea Sliders:

Mash the Chickpeas

In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few chunks for texture.

Mix Ingredients

Add breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix until together until fully combined.

Form Patties

Shape the mixture into small patties, approximately 2-3 inches wide.

Fry the Sliders

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Assemble and Serve

Place the cooked patties on slider buns and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your meal!

These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days!

Pro Tips

Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added flavor boost.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers or want to prepare these sliders ahead of time, they store quite well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place them in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy exterior. Heat them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re warmed through, avoiding the microwave, which can make them soggy.

For longer storage, consider freezing them. Once cooked and cooled, layer the sliders between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above for the best texture.

Scaling Up for Gatherings

These Spicy Chickpea Sliders make a fantastic choice for gatherings or meal prep. If you want to serve a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients, keeping the proportions consistent. It might be beneficial to cook them in batches, allowing enough space in the skillet for each patty to get that golden finish. Making a larger batch allows for easy assembly of sliders, appealing to those who enjoy customizing their toppings.

Additionally, consider offering a variety of sauces at your gathering to cater to different tastes. Think spicy aioli, a tangy barbecue sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce. This elevates the dining experience and encourages guests to get creative with their slider builds, transforming a simple meal into a fun and interactive feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake the sliders instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.

→ Are these sliders gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

→ Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.