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    Home » Recipes » Sandwiches, Wraps, Tacos, and Burritos

    BBQ Chickpeas Sandwiches

    Published: Mar 31, 2021 by Jenn Sebestyen

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    BBQ Chickpea Sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw and pickles on a whole wheat bun.
    recipe image for Pinterest
    recipe image for Pinterest
    recipe image for Pinterest
    recipe image for Pinterest

    Sweet and mildly spicy, hearty and delicious, this sloppy BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich is husband and kid approved! It comes together easily in less than an hour. You’re gonna want seconds!

    BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw and pickles on a whole wheat bun.

    Sweet. Spicy. Saucy. Sandwich perfection.

    Pile the BBQ goodness high on a bun then top it with creamy coleslaw and crispy pickles. Grab a few napkins and prepare to chow down on your new favorite meal.

    Just like my Vegan Sloppy Joes and my Meatless Mexican-Inspired Sloppy Joes, these BBQ Chickpeas Sandwiches are quick, easy, and totally delicious!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients you need
    2 How to make the recipe
    3 Storage and freezing
    4 Pro tips and tricks
    5 FAQs
    6 More vegan BBQ recipes
    7 Sloppy BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich

    Ingredients you need

    For the BBQ sauce

    Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.
    BBQ Sauce ingredients: tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, chipotle pepper in adobo, smoked paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, water.

    Tomato paste ~ provides a rich tomato flavor

    Vinegar ~ delivers a delightful tang

    I use a combination both apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar for a nice balance of flavor. Distilled white vinegar or red wine vinegar will also work. Play around with your favorite vinegars to make it your own.

    Chipotle peppers in adobo ~ gives a nice smoky kick

    I add just one chipotle pepper when the kids are eating, but 2 if it’s just adults. Feel free to adjust to your heat tolerance.

    Maple syrup ~ brings sweetness to balance the acid and spice

    For the coleslaw

    Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.
    Coleslaw ingredients: coleslaw mix of shredded green and red cabbage and shredded carrots, vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, celery salt, and cilantro.

    The base of the creamy sauce is vegan mayonnaise, which can be made in 5 minutes or less or store-bought, and the cabbage/carrot mix is store-bought coleslaw mix, so it’s super easy. Just a few extra ingredients turn these easy prepared items into creamy dairy free deliciousness. It’s the perfect contrast to the smoky BBQ chickpeas.

    Coleslaw mix ~ Store bought coleslaw mix makes this recipe come together in just minutes. If you prefer to shred/chop your own, use green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.

    Mayonnaise ~ Again, store bought equals convenience. I like Just Mayo, but there are several brands available these days. If you prefer to make your own, use your favorite recipe or give my super quick and easy homemade vegan mayo a try.

    Vinegar ~ I like the flavor of apple cider vinegar. Distilled white vinegar works great, too.

    Mustard ~ I like liquid yellow mustard. If you don’t have it, you can use ¼ teaspoon of mustard powder instead.

    Celery salt ~ I love celery salt. Especially in potato soup, but it works really great in coleslaw, too. If you don’t have it, use regular salt to taste.

    Cilantro ~ If you don’t like cilantro, use fresh parsley instead.

    For the sandwiches

    Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.
    BBQ Chickpeas Sandwiches ingredients: chickpeas, red onion, crushed pineapple, cilantro, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, pickles, and burger buns.

    Chickpeas ~ Chickpeas are hearty and “meaty.” Mashing half of them helps to hold the mixture together while still allowing the firm texture of the ones left whole.

    If you don’t have or don’t like chickpeas, there are plenty of other options you could use: mushrooms, white beans, lentils, jackfruit, or vegan ground “beef.”

    Onion ~ I like red onion for their mild flavor. You can use white onion if you like the sharp bite. Green onions would also work.

    Pineapple ~ Add additional sweetness and texture that contributes to the “meatiness” of the dish.

    Coleslaw ~ Cooling coleslaw is the ideal contrast to the spicy smoky flavors of the chickpeas in this barbecue sandwich.

    BBQ sauce ~ We are partial to the homemade smoky chipotle BBQ sauce featured in this recipe, but your favorite store-bought brand will work in a pinch.

    Cilantro ~ For a freshness to offset all the smoky, tangy flavors. Use fresh parsley if you prefer.

    Buns ~ Your favorite burger buns will work. Choose some that are on the softer side. If your bun is too hard, the BBQ chickpeas will squish out the sides as you take a bite. Use gluten free, if you need/want.

    How to make the recipe

    Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.

    Two photo collage of blending the BBQ sauce in a Vitamix blender.

    This BBQ Sauce comes together easily. Place all the ingredients in a blender (1) and purée until smooth (2). Then it just needs to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and to become thick and delicious.

    4 photo collage of mixing the coleslaw and garnishing with cilantro.

    While the BBQ sauce is simmering on the stove, place all of the coleslaw ingredients in a mixing bowl (3) and toss well to combine (4). Add the cilantro (5), if using and toss again to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the sauce (6).

    Place in the fridge until ready to use.

    3 photo collage of mashing chickpeas and adding the remaining ingredients.

    Add one can of chickpeas to a mixing bowl (7) and mash them well with a potato masher (8) or fork. Add the other can of chickpeas, pineapple, red onion, and cilantro (9). Mix well to combine.

    3 photo collage of adding ingredients to the bbq sauce and simmering on the stove.

    Once the BBQ sauce has simmered until thick (10) add the chickpea mixture (11) and mix well to combine (12). Simmer until hot throughout.

    3 photo collage of the bbq sauce, coleslaw, and a sandwich.

    To assemble, place a scoop or two of the BBQ chickpeas on a bottom half of the bun, top with the creamy coleslaw and pickle slices. Finish with the top half of the bun.

    Serve with chips, fries, or any one of these delicious Vegan Side Dishes.

    Overhead view of chickpeas in bbq sauce on a bun.

    Storage and freezing

    This recipe makes enough BBQ chickpeas for 8 sandwiches, but trust me, you’re going to want seconds. Even if you’re too full for seconds, leftovers taste awesome.

    Fridge: Store the chickpea mixture separately from the coleslaw in air-tight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

    Freezer: The BBQ chickpeas can also be frozen in a freezer safe container or plastic bag for up to 6 months.

    I do not recommend freezing the coleslaw.

    Pro tips and tricks

    ~ This recipe has several components, but they’re all made quickly and easily. To ensure it all comes together in less than an hour, make the BBQ sauce first and get it on the stove to simmer. While the sauce is simmering, mix the coleslaw ingredients and get it in the fridge to chill. Finally, make the chickpea mixture.

    ~ Add an extra chipotle pepper to the BBQ sauce if you like a spicy kick. The creamy coleslaw will help tame the heat.

    ~ Make sure to the let the coleslaw rest in the fridge for 20 minutes or so before serving. This allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to soak in.

    ~ Choose buns that are on the softer side. The BBQ chickpeas mixture will squish out the sides as you take a bit if your bun is too hard/tough.

    ~ Lightly toast the buns for even more texture.

    ~ To make this recipe gluten free, be sure to choose gluten free buns. Or ditch the buns all together and serve the BBQ Chickpeas over rice with a side of the coleslaw.

    ~ This recipe is oil-free and nut-free!

    ~ Meal prep: The BBQ sauce and the coleslaw can be made ahead turning this BBQ chickpeas dish into an easy 20 minute meal!

    Overhead view of a bbq sandwich, bowl of coleslaw, and a jar of sauce.

    FAQs

    How can I make my BBQ sauce thicker?

    Don’t worry if the BBQ sauce seems too thin straight out of the blender. Simmering it on the stove for 15 to 20 minutes will make it nice and thick.
    On the other hand, if the sauce seems too thick straight out of the blender, add a little extra water before transferring to a pot on the stove.

    Is BBQ sauce healthy?

    Store bought bottled BBQ sauce may contain questionable ingredients, like high-fructose corn syrup, added colors, excess sodium, and preservatives. Making it yourself at home is a healthier choice as you control what ingredients are used. That said, even homemade BBQ sauce contains a good deal of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

    How else can I serve BBQ chickpeas?

    We love these BBQ chickpeas as sandwiches, but they are so versatile and can be used many ways! Add them to salads or wraps. Serve them over rice or quinoa. Sprinkle them over tortilla chips for a creative nacho topping. Spoon them over baked potatoes.

    Vegan BBQ Sandwich on a round wooden platter with small jar of bbq sauce behind.

    More vegan BBQ recipes

    • BBQ Tofu Bowls
    • BBQ Bean Burger
    • BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
    • BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
    • Tomato Free BBQ Lentils 
    • BBQ Lentil Power Bowls

    I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.

    Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    BBQ Chickpea Sandwich topped with creamy coleslaw and pickles on a whole wheat bun.

    Sloppy BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich

    Sweet and mildly spicy, hearty and delicious, this sloppy sandwich is husband and kid approved! It comes together quickly and easily. You're gonna want seconds!
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Entrées
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 315kcal
    Author: Jenn Sebestyen

    Recommended Equipment

    • Blender
    • Mixing bowls
    • Potato masher
    • Large pot

    Ingredients

    Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce (Makes 1.5 cups)

    • 6 ounces tomato paste
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo use 2 if you like it spicy
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
    • ½ cup water or more as needed (to thin)

    Simple Vegan Coleslaw

    • 14 ounces store-bought coleslaw mix or freshly shredded green and red cabbage and shredded carrots
    • ½ cup homemade vegan mayonnaise or your fave store-bought vegan mayo
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon celery salt
    • chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

    Chickpea BBQ Sandwiches

    • 2 cans (15 ounces) chickpeas rinsed and drained
    • ¼ of a red onion diced
    • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed pineapple drained
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 recipe Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce above
    • 1 recipe Simple Vegan Coleslaw above
    • 8 burger buns your choice (gluten free if desired)
    • pickles optional

    Instructions

    For the Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce

    • Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and purée until smooth
    • Transfer to a medium pot and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until desired consistency is reached. (You're going to add the chickpea mixture to this pot later, so use one big enough – not just a small sauce pot).

    For the Simple Vegan Coleslaw

    • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, yellow mustard, and celery salt. 
    • Add the coleslaw mix and cilantro and toss well until everything is well covered.
    • Refrigerate until ready to use.

    For the BBQ Chickpeas Sandwiches

    • Add one can of rinsed, drained chickpeas to a large mixing bowl. Mash the chickpeas with a potato masher or a fork.
    • Add the other can of chickpeas, red onion, drained crushed pineapple and cilantro.
    • When the BBQ Sauce is done simmering and has thickened up to your liking, add the chickpea mixture and stir well. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to heat through.
    • To serve, scoop some of the BBQ Chickpeas onto a bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired. Devour!

    Notes

    ~ This recipe has several components, but they’re all made quickly and easily. To ensure it all comes together in less than an hour, make the BBQ sauce first and get it on the stove to simmer. While the sauce is simmering, mix the coleslaw ingredients and get it in the fridge to chill. Finally, make the chickpea mixture.
    ~ Add an extra chipotle pepper to the BBQ sauce if you like a spicy kick. The creamy coleslaw will help tame the heat.
    ~ Make sure to the let the coleslaw rest in the fridge for 20 minutes or so before serving. This allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to soak in.
    ~ Choose buns that are on the softer side. The chickpea mixture will squish out the sides as you take a bit if your bun is too hard/tough.
    ~ Lightly toast the buns for even more texture.
    ~ To make this recipe gluten free, be sure to choose gluten free buns.
    ~ This recipe is oil-free and nut-free!
    ~ Meal prep: The BBQ sauce and the coleslaw can be made ahead turning this dish into an easy 20 minute meal!

    Storage/Freezing
    Store the chickpea mixture separately from the coleslaw in air-tight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
    The BBQ chickpeas can also be frozen in a freezer safe container or plastic bag for up to 6 months.
    I do not recommend freezing the coleslaw.

    ~ Nutrition facts calculated without buns or pickles.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 573mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 27g

    Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Veggie_Inspired or tag #VeggieInspired!

     

    More Sandwiches, Wraps, Tacos, and Burritos

    • Vegan BLT Sandwich
    • BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue says

      March 01, 2021 at 5:25 pm

      Jenn, this was too good; I planned on leftovers for tomorrow, but it is all gone! Thanks for a great recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        March 01, 2021 at 10:25 pm

        Thank you, Sue! I’m so glad you loved it!

        Reply
    2. Joanne says

      September 11, 2018 at 4:52 pm

      I want to thank you for the recipe “SLOPPY PINEAPPLE CHICKPEA BBQ SANDWICH”. You are a genius. This was the best, most delicious vegan burger we have ever made. You would think you were eating a pork sandwich. The pineapple gives the sandwich a meaty texture. The slaw, we made with Broccoli Slaw mix,…It was delicious. The sauce was the crowning glory.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 12, 2018 at 8:57 am

        This makes me so happy, Joanne! Thank you! Broccoli slaw is a GREAT idea – and I always have some in my fridge! Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    3. Nancy says

      September 10, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      OMG, this was delicious!!! this is the best BBQ sauce recipe, will definitely use it for other recipes too. Even my meat eater boyfriend was impressed.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 10, 2018 at 6:33 pm

        WooHoo! I’m so excited to hear this! Thank you, Nancy!

        Reply
    4. Nicole Dawson says

      September 06, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      Everything about this recipe sounds perfect. Sweet, smoky, spicy…..I want it all!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 06, 2018 at 5:55 pm

        It’s got it all! Thanks, Nicole!

        Reply
    5. Trinity Bourne says

      September 06, 2018 at 3:26 am

      This looks so feel-good!! I feel all nourished and warmed just reading about it. Looks delicious.5 stars

      Reply
    6. Dianne says

      September 04, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      So many flavors in one yummy sandwich! I love the pineapple and barbecue combo, especially when topped with creamy coleslaw!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 1:23 pm

        It’s a great combo! Thanks, Dianne!

        Reply
    7. Alisa Fleming says

      September 04, 2018 at 10:48 am

      Barbecue sauce and slaw – this is like my dream sandwich! I’d have to skip the pineapple aspect, but it looks like there are so many flavors going on that it wouldn’t put a big dent in the deliciousness.

      Reply
    8. Claudia Lamascolo says

      September 04, 2018 at 6:09 am

      oh I love how healhty and delicious this is. I certainly have never had anything like this and would love to try this5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:38 am

        Thanks, Claudia! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    9. Danielle Wolter says

      September 04, 2018 at 6:05 am

      I never thought if using chickpeas on a bun – what a great idea. And these flavors are just amazing! What a fun recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:38 am

        Thanks, Danielle! Chickpeas can do so many things!

        Reply
    10. Dannii says

      September 04, 2018 at 5:04 am

      Oh wow, what a stacked sandwich. I love the idea of having pineapple in it.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:38 am

        The pineapple plays so well with the chipotle! Thanks, Dannii!

        Reply
    11. Lisa says

      September 04, 2018 at 4:45 am

      So many flavors in each delicious bite. This is really a tasty treat!5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:37 am

        Enjoy, Lisa!

        Reply
    12. Diana says

      September 04, 2018 at 2:41 am

      The sandwich of my dreams! I’ve been eating more plant based, and making so many fun dishes with chickpeas. Will need to try this!5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:37 am

        Thanks, Diana! Chickpeas are so versatile – they’re great in so many dishes.

        Reply

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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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