Chickpea Patties

Chickpea Patties are a protein packed vegetarian dish that the whole family will love! Pan fried and topped with creamy chipotle avocado sauce.

I don’t know about you but I am always trying to add a few more meatless meals to our rotation. Meatless meals that everyone will love that is. And with my carnivore family it’s not always easy.  So when I tell you that these Chickpea Patties are a hit, you can trust it. They are a hearty, flavorful, easy to make vegetarian dish that the whole family will love. 

And while the Chickpea patties are delicious on their own, they are even better when topped with a creamy smooth avocado chipotle sauce. It’s a little smoky, a little creamy and all kinds of delicious. 

Let’s talk about everything you’ll need to get these on the table! 

Chickpea Patty (Fritter) Ingredients: 

• CANNED CHICKPEAS: Also called garbanzo beans, you should be able to find them in the aisle with the other beans. I use canned chickpeas in this recipe to make them easier. If you have the time, you can soak and use dried beans.
• YELLOW ONION/GARLIC: Add texture and flavor to the patties. 
• CHILI POWDER: Will add a touch of heat and a bit of smokiness. 
• CUMIN: Will add a warm, earthy flavor to the patties. 
• SALT 
• BREAD CRUMBS/EGG: These two ingredients will help bind the patties together. 
• CILANTRO: If you’re one of those people that can’t do cilantro, you can leave it out! 
• FLOUR: To give the chickpea fritters a crisp crust when frying. 
• OIL: Use a neutral oil to fry the fritters. 
• LIME ZEST: Add a bit of freshness, acidity and bright citrus flavor. 

Chipotle Avocado Cream Sauce: 

This easy cream sauce is optional but I really recommend it. Just a dollop on top is perfect. 

• AVOCADO: Make sure the avocado is ripe. If it is not quite ripe it won’t blend as easy in the food processor and the sauce won’t be as smooth. 
• LIME JUICE: Adds citrus flavor and acidity to the sauce. 
• SOUR CREAM: Added creaminess. 
• CHIPOTLE CHILI POWDER: Will add a touch of spiciness as well as smokiness. 
• SALT

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

These chickpea patties are really easy to make. It is important to make sure that you don’t skip the chilling part. Chilling the patties is going to help them stay together when cooking. 

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STEP #1: Combine the chickpeas, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, bread crumbs, eggs and cilatnro together in a food processor. Process just until the mixture starts to come together. You don’t want it too be too smooth, some chunks are good for texture. 

STEP #2: Use 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop mixture into hands and roll into balls. Place the ball on a baking sheet and gently press down to flatten the patties. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Can refrigerate for longer if needed. 

STEP #3: Now would be a good time to make the sauce. Combine all of the ingredients together in a food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

STEP #4: After the patties have chilled, dredge them in flour. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry 4 – 5 minutes per side until golden brown. You may need to do this part in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the pan. 

STEP #5: Remove the patties from the pan, sprinkle with salt and lime zest. Serve hot with Chipotle Avocado Cream Sauce. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

These chickpea patties reheat very well! I reheated mine in the air fryer at 350 for 5 – 6 minutes or until they were warmed though. You could also reheat them in a pan until warmed through. They will last in the refrigerator for 3 days. 

Looking for more Chickpea Recipes? Try these!

Even my kiddos loved these Chickpea Burgers!

Bring chickpea salad to your next potluck!

Crispy Curry Chickpeas are one of our absolute favorite snacks around here.

Note: This recipe was originally published in 2013. It was updated in 2023 with new photos, nutrition information and step by step photos.