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Healthy Lunch Recipes Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

When I’m craving something quick, filling, and packed with flavor, I reach for chickpeas. They’re humble little legumes, but give them a sticky sesame glaze and suddenly they feel like takeout made at home. These sesame chickpeas are my go-to when I need healthy lunch recipes that don’t taste like they came from a sad desk salad. I mean, who hasn’t stared into their fridge at 12:15 p.m. wondering if peanut butter on toast counts as lunch again? With this recipe, I don’t have to overthink it. It’s simple, quick, and gives me that same cozy comfort that a sesame chicken recipe healthy version should deliver. I’ve played around with recipes with chickpeas for years, but I keep coming back to this one because it’s sticky, savory, and just sweet enough. It reminds me of the kind of healthy sesame chicken recipe you’d find at your favorite spot, but lighter and kinder to your weeknight routine. If you’ve ever tried baked chickpeas recipes, you’ll get why this works. The glaze clings to each chickpea, and when you spoon them over rice or pile them into a wrap, you get that sticky-saucy magic in every bite. So, if you’ve been hunting for recipes healthy lunch ideas that keep you full without making you feel like you’ve just eaten a brick, give this one a try. It’s my little secret weapon for busy days, and honestly, it makes me feel like I’ve got my life more together than I actually do.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: baked chickpeas recipes, Healthy Lunch, healthy lunch recipes, healthy sesame chicken recipe, recipes healthy lunch, recipes with chickpeas, sesame chicken recipe healthy
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Kathy

Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Pour into the skillet and stir.
  4. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce is glossy and sticky.
  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
  7. Serve warm over rice or quinoa.