14 Dinners To Make With a Can of Chickpeas

If you have a can of chickpeas on hand, you're well on your way to a satisfying dinner the whole family will love. These are our favorite quick and easy recipes for this versatile, protein-packed pantry staple.

3 bowls of Easy Chickpea Curry with spoons, naan on the side — Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Chickpeas—also called garbanzo beans or, adoringly, "chi chi beans" in my house—are affordable, packed with protein, convenient, and very versatile. You can easily transform a can of chickpeas into all kinds of delicious meals—creamy hummus, crispy falafel, crunchy salad toppers, hearty stews, and more.

I’ve gathered 14 easy dinners that all start with a can of our most beloved legume and can be made in an hour or less. These recipes don’t skimp on flavor, texture, or plant-based protein.

Chana Masala

Chana masala is one of my favorite chickpea dinners. It’s classic Indian comfort food and every bite makes me feel warm and well fed. It’s great for making ahead and serving with white rice for a quick and easy weeknight meal. You can throw in peas for extra protein or more vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower.

Air Fryer Falafel

Air fryer falafel is quick to make and easy to clean up, making it the ideal weeknight dinner. Stuff them into pita pockets with lettuce, tomato, and a simple tahini sauce for a delicious meal.

20-Minute Tomato Orzo Soup

Chickpeas team up with creamy orzo pasta in this quick and easy soup recipe. "If you’re feeling a little lazy (like me!), you can skip the chopping and pick up a tub of pre-chopped mirepoix in the refrigerated section of the supermarket or in the frozen vegetable aisle. Toss a jar of minced garlic in oil in your cart, too, and you’ll have all of the vegetable prep out of the way—meaning the soup will be ready in 20 minutes flat." —Simply Recipes Contributor Alexandra Shytsman

Paprika Chicken with Chickpeas

The beauty of this meal is that it’s a one-pan-in-the-oven kind of dinner—toss smoky (thanks to the paprika) chickpeas, onions, and the chicken into a casserole dish and bake. That’s it! You've got a main and starchy side all in one.

Pasta e Ceci

"Chickpeas not only add a pop of texture and protein but also act as a thickener. The tomato-rich broth is imparted with the salty, savory flavor of Parmesan and earthy rosemary. Trust me: Every spoonful tastes like a big, warm Italian hug." —Simply Recipes Contributors Marianne Williams and Sheela Prakash

Chickpea Panini

As a vegan, I'm always making chickpea salad. It’s delicious, filling, and so easy to make. This recipe is no different—it’s perfect for either lunch or dinner. With only a few ingredients, you can have it on the table in 10 minutes flat.

Easy Chickpea Curry

"The beauty of this chickpea curry lies in its simplicity and adaptability; it is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s packed with such lovely flavors (ginger! garlic! turmeric!) and the coconut milk gives it creamy depth. Plus, it requires just one pot, making cleanup a breeze." —Simply Recipes Contributor Shayma Saadat

Kale Sausage Soup with Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Kale Sausage Chickpea Soup — Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

I love all Italian soups and this one delivers on both ease and flavor. Legumes can truly be the star if you sub kidney beans for the sausage like a reader recommends: “I made this without the sausage and with white kidney beans, delicious tomato chicken stock base with Parmesan to add richness.”

20-Minute One-Pan Beef and Chickpeas

"If you don’t want to serve this with rice at all, have some warm flatbread, like roti or paratha, on the side instead. If I have it on hand, I’ll also add a little spoonful of yogurt, some pickled red onions, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro to my plate to round everything out." —Simply Recipes Contributor Devan Grimsrud

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls with Tahini Sauce

Mediterranean Chickpea Buddha Bowls — Simply Recipes / Sabrina Modelle

This vegan and gluten-free bowl has everything you need for a healthy chickpea-inspired meal. Warning: you are going to get hooked on the tahini dressing—it’s also amazing on baked tofu, roasted vegetables, and massaged with kale.

Hummus Soup

Bowls of hummus next to a small bowl of roasted chickpeas, another small bowl with chopped parsley, and a burnt orange kitchen towel, all on a wooden table — Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Julia Bayliss

"Depending on your preferred consistency, adjust the liquid as needed. Add or remove water—just one tablespoon at a time—to reach the texture that you prefer. You can use chopped cilantro for a fresh peppery bite if you don't have parsley." —Simply Recipes Contributor Catherine Jessee

Roasted Chickpeas and Artichokes with Lemon, Parsley, and Feta

roasted chickpeas, artichokes, and feta — Simply Recipes / Molly Adams

"For enough to serve four adults with leftovers—I can stretch it out and enjoy it for lunch the next day (win!)— the ingredients add up to less than $15. It has for all the years I’ve been making it." —Simply Recipes Contributor Molly Adams

Lemon Chicken Chickpea Soup

Lemon Chicken Chickpea Rice Soup — Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

This soup is comforting on all levels—it’s a simple chicken soup made with warming Moroccan-inspired spices like turmeric and cumin. As a vegan, I substitute soy curls and vegetable broth in the place of chicken and chicken stock. It’s so full of flavor.

Greek-Inspired Pita Pockets

Greek salad pockets next to a some olive, fresh herbs, a halved lemon, and small bowl of tzatziki, all on a cutting board — Simply Recipes / Julie and Amy Luxemberg

There are so many ways to customize this recipe based on your preferences and what you have to work with in your fridge. Instead of chickpeas, you could use another bean like cannellini or any pre-cooked protein you may have on hand—rotisserie chicken would be great.