Go Back

Sweet Potato Chickpea Nuggets

Sweet potato chickpea nuggets are baked until golden, with a crisp panko coating and soft centers. Chilling the mixture helps the 16 nuggets hold their shape as they bake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
cooling, chilling, and resting 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 341
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sweet potato medium (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs divided (1/2 cup and 3/4 cup)
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 microwave
  • 1 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Put the sweet potato cubes and water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave on HIGH for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until very tender.
  4. Drain any water left in the bowl and let the potato cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Mash the sweet potato and chickpeas together in a large bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chickpea pieces for texture.
  6. Stir in the egg, 1/2 cup of the panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until combined.
  7. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to firm up.
  8. Put the remaining 3/4 cup panko in a shallow dish.
  9. Shape the mixture into 16 nuggets, coat each in panko, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Brush the nuggets on both sides with the olive oil.
  11. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the centers reach 160°F.
  12. Let the nuggets rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For nuggets that hold their shape, let the mixture chill for the full 15 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free option.