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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!
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!
Ingredients you need
For the BBQ sauce
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once the BBQ sauce has simmered until thick (10) add the chickpea mixture (11) and mix well to combine (12). Simmer until hot throughout.
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.
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!
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Sloppy BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich
Recommended Equipment
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
~ Nutrition facts calculated without buns or pickles.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Carol Dixon says
This is sooooo good! Super-duper easy to make all the way around: BBQ sauce, coleslaw, chickpea mixture. Though I like coleslaw, I’m not a fan of lots of mayo, so I didn’t use the full amount called for in the recipe. It was just enough to cream up the cabbage, plus it didn’t take over the BBQ flavor of the chickpea mix. The addition of the pineapple is subtle, it does not overwhelm the BBQ flavor at all. I didn’t have any cilantro on hand, so maybe I’ll include that next time, because there WILL be a next time!
I love that I can freeze this, too; it will take me too long to eat, so into the freezer some of it will go.
If you like BBQ, please try this – – you won’t be disappointed!
NOTE: I have Jenn’s book Meatless Mondays, from which I got this recipe. If you don’t have it, please get yourself a copy. Every recipe I’ve tried has been a winner. 🙂
Jenn Sebestyen says
I’m so glad you love it, Carol! And thank you so much for the glowing review of The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook.
Sue says
Jenn, this was too good; I planned on leftovers for tomorrow, but it is all gone! Thanks for a great recipe.
Jenn Sebestyen says
Thank you, Sue! I’m so glad you loved it!
Joanne says
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.
Jenn S. says
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!
Nancy says
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.
Jenn S. says
WooHoo! I’m so excited to hear this! Thank you, Nancy!
Nicole Dawson says
Everything about this recipe sounds perfect. Sweet, smoky, spicy…..I want it all!
Jenn S. says
It’s got it all! Thanks, Nicole!
Trinity Bourne says
This looks so feel-good!! I feel all nourished and warmed just reading about it. Looks delicious.
Dianne says
So many flavors in one yummy sandwich! I love the pineapple and barbecue combo, especially when topped with creamy coleslaw!
Jenn S. says
It’s a great combo! Thanks, Dianne!
Alisa Fleming says
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.
Claudia Lamascolo says
oh I love how healhty and delicious this is. I certainly have never had anything like this and would love to try this
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Claudia! I hope you love it!
Danielle Wolter says
I never thought if using chickpeas on a bun – what a great idea. And these flavors are just amazing! What a fun recipe.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Danielle! Chickpeas can do so many things!
Dannii says
Oh wow, what a stacked sandwich. I love the idea of having pineapple in it.
Jenn S. says
The pineapple plays so well with the chipotle! Thanks, Dannii!
Lisa says
So many flavors in each delicious bite. This is really a tasty treat!
Jenn S. says
Enjoy, Lisa!
Diana says
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!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Diana! Chickpeas are so versatile – they’re great in so many dishes.