Butter Chickpeas is a plant-based spin on Butter Chicken, with chickpeas in a creamy tomato sauce seasoned with smoky paprika and warm spices. Great with rice and naan.
author’s note
You Won’t Miss The Meat In This One!
Butter chicken is a forever favorite at my house, and my Butter Chicken Meatballs are on repeat too. During peak back-to-school chaos I needed that same flavor with less work, so I swapped in chickpeas for a plant-based shortcut. I tested a few routes, played with spice levels for my kids, and landed on a sauce that is silky, balanced, and weeknight straightforward.
A lot of my extended family is vegetarian, so I shared this recipe with them. Those who made it couldn’t stop raving. It’s so flavorful you don’t miss the meat one bit, and it gives all the butter chicken comfort without the long simmer.
Butter Chickpeas Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Yellow onion | Use pre-diced fresh or frozen to save time |
| Garlic + ginger | Chop fresh or grab frozen Dorot ginger and garlic cubes you can throw into the dish. |
| Spice blend | Bloom spices in oil 30–60 seconds. Turmeric can stain so watch out for that! |
| Crushed tomatoes | Fire-roasted adds extra depth |
| Chickpeas | Rinse canned chickpeas well for cleaner flavor |
| Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free |
| Unsalted butter | Vegan butter for dairy-free |
| Sugar | Use only if the tomatoes taste sharp |
How To Make Butter Chickpeas
- Toast spices: Warm oil. Cook onion until soft. mix in garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Simmer: Add tomatoes, sugar, and chickpeas. Stir and simmer until thick.
- Make it silky: Turn off heat. mix in cream and butter until smooth.
- check the seasoning and adjust: Add more salt or heat. Thin with a splash of water if too thick.
- Serve: Spoon over rice and add warm naan. Enjoy!
Storage
This is a dish that just keeps getting better as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep or making ahead of time, if you have company coming (stress free!). We like these butter chickpeas even better on day two!
More Chickpea Recipes:
Dinner
Sausage and Chickpeas (One Pan!)
Lunch
Hummus Wrap (With Chickpeas!)
Snacks
Air Fryer ChickpeasWhat To Serve With Butter Chickpeas
- Rice: Basmati is classic and soaks up the sauce. Use fresh rice, leftovers, or microwaveable Ready Rice®.
- Naan: Warm, soft naan is reliable for scooping.
- Cucumber raita: Cool yogurt with cucumber and spices balances the rich sauce.
- Salad: A simple garden salad or cucumber-pepper salad adds fresh crunch.
- Roasted vegetables: Lightly spiced cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots are great on the side.
