Gather your taste buds and get ready for a flavor fiesta! These Spicy Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema are about to become your new favorite way to taco ’bout a good time. Crispy, golden chickpeas pair with a lush, zesty crema and all the classic taco fixings for a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. Let’s dive in and discover the epic story behind every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema
Warm, hearty, and bursting with vibrant flavors, these tacos are the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. The spicy chickpeas offer a satisfying, protein-packed base, while the cool, creamy avocado lime crema adds a bright, refreshing contrast. Plus, they come together quickly, making them an easy weeknight winner or the star of your next taco night fiesta. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to shake up your usual taco routine, these Spicy Chickpea Tacos are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
Dive into this flavor-packed recipe with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll need chickpeas, olive oil, spices, avocado, lime, Greek yogurt, and your favorite taco toppings like shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
- 1 (15 oz) can – Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 tsp – Chili powder
- 1 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1 – Avocado, pitted and peeled
- 2 tbsp – Lime juice
- 1/2 cup – Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- Corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for serving
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chickpeas: Black beans or lentils (similar protein and texture)
- Greek yogurt: Plain yogurt or sour cream (for the crema)
How to Make Spicy Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema
Let’s dive into the easy steps for creating these flavor-packed tacos!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas, then patting them dry with paper towels. This will help them get deliciously crispy in the oven. While the chickpeas roast, make the zesty avocado lime crema by blending avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of salt and pepper. Roast until they’re golden and crispy, then let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare your favorite taco toppings like shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Time to build those epic tacos! Grab some warm tortillas and start layering. First, add a generous scoop of the spicy chickpeas, then top with the cool, creamy avocado lime crema and your desired toppings. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Amp Up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
- Make It Indulgent: Top the tacos with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crumbled feta.
- Protein Swap: Use black beans or lentils instead of chickpeas for a different base.
- Customize the Crema: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Lime wedges, hot sauce, and extra crema on the side.
Storage: Leftover chickpeas and crema can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chickpeas in the oven or on the stovetop before assembling the tacos.
Make-Ahead: The chickpeas and crema can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Chickpea Tacos are a nutritious and satisfying option, packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies. Each serving provides a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a wholesome and delicious choice for your taco night.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chickpeas and crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chickpeas and crema can both be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just reheat the chickpeas before assembling the tacos.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use corn tortillas or lettuce cups instead of flour tortillas.
Can I make these tacos vegan?
Definitely! Simply swap the Greek yogurt in the crema for a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chickpea seasoning or drizzle your tacos with your favorite hot sauce.
What other toppings go well with these tacos?
The options are endless! Try adding shredded cheese, diced onion, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of salsa on top.
Try These Next
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema
- Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Spicy Korean Beef Tacos With Avocado Slaw
Spicy Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Spicy Chickpea Tacos are a burst of flavor with a creamy avocado lime crema. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
Ingredients
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
1 tablespoon olive oil.
1 tablespoon chili powder.
1 teaspoon cumin.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste).
Salt and pepper to taste.
8 small corn tortillas.
1 avocado.
1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt.
Juice of 1 lime.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.
Lime wedges for serving.
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chickpeas and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mash the avocado and mix in the sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro until creamy.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. Assemble the tacos by adding the spicy chickpeas to each tortilla and topping with the avocado lime crema.
7. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite salsa, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes. These tacos are also great for meal prep!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tacos, chickpeas, vegan, spicy