Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas
This Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas is creamy, coconutty and has the perfect spicy kick. Made with chickpeas instead of chicken and done in under 30 minutes, this Indian dish is sure to be a showstopper! It’s easy to make, better than takeout and perfect for meal prep!
What ingredients do I need for Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas
Fresh Ingredients:
- For the sauce the only fresh ingredients you will need are onion, ginger and garlic.
- You will also need some cilantro and lime for serving!
Other Ingredients:
- Garam Masala – this is a classic Indian spice that tastes amazing! If you do not have any you can easily order some here.
- Cumin – another delicious spice commonly used in Indian cooking! Find it here.
- Chili Flakes
- Canned Chickpeas
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- Natural Peanut Butter – make sure to use a natural peanut butter here instead of the ones with added sugar and salt. It will make a big difference in the taste!
- Himalayan Salt
How to make Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas
This vegan chickpea butter chicken can be made in under 30 minutes! Here’s how to do it!
Sautee your onion & spices
- Start by sautéing your onion in some olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Next add in your garlic, ginger, and spices. Toast your spices for about 1-2 minutes until they become very aromatic, that is how you know you are done!
Make the sauce
- Our sauce is as easy as throwing all ingredients into the pot! Add in your chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk and peanut butter and season with salt to taste. Mix well until everything is combined then leave to reduce for about 10-15 minutes.
How to eat Vegan Butter Chicken
This vegan chickpea butter chicken is best eaten the classic way, with some rice and naan bread! I also love adding some fresh lime juice and cilantro for a fresh kick! You can eat this meal straight away or make a large batch and use it for meal prep! This dish is perfect for a vegan potluck or to have alongside other dishes like a buffet style meal!
Tips on making your chickpea butter chicken
- You can opt for a light coconut milk as opposed to a full fat one although bear in mind the sauce will not be nearly as creamy!
- To make this a high protein vegan recipe crumble in some tofu! It will absorb all that delicious flavour and you won’t even notice it is there! You can even omit the chickpeas all together and use baked tofu instead!
Will my non vegan friends and family like this?
This chickpea butter chicken is a dish that everyone will love! It has the same creaminess that we all know and love and a sauce that will honestly taste good with anything! It’s kind of hard to make something taste bad with coconut milk in it, am I right?!
Here are some other recipes you will love
- Greek Style Vegan Souvlaki
- Vegan Summer Rolls with Crispy Tofu
- Avocado Pesto Pasta
- Easy Buffalo Chickpea Wrap
Did you make this recipe?! I would love to see! Make sure to leave a comment or review and tag me on Instagram!
Vegan Butter Chicken with Chickpeas
Ingredients
For the Chickpea Butter Chicken
- 1 Large Onion roughly chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic grated
- 1 inch Piece of Ginger grated
- 2 tbsp Garam Masala
- 1½ tbsp Cumin
- ½-¾ tsp Chili Flakes depending on how spicy you like it.
- 1 15oz can Chickpeas
- 1 15oz can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 15oz can Full Fat Coconut Milk
- ¼ cup Natural Peanut Butter
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Rice
- Limes
- Cilantro
- Naan Bread
Instructions
- Start by prepping your ingredients as this recipe moves fast. Chop your onion, grate your ginger and garlic, take your spices out and open your cans.
- Sauté the onions in a touch of olive oil for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add in the garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin and chili flakes and toast for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add in your chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, peanut butter, and season with salt to taste.
- Mix well to combine and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Serve with rice, cilantro, lime, naan or coconut yogurt!