Name: Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 15-oz cans chickpeas (425 g each); 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 mL); 2 Tbsp honey (15 mL); 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; ¼ tsp salt; 8 oz feta cheese, room temperature (226 g); ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (180 g); 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (15 mL)

If you're craving a snack that's bursting with texture and flavor, this Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy all at once—utterly addictive and perfect for sharing with friends.

A close-up view of a woman's hand holding a piece of light beige bread topped with three layers: the bottom layer is a thick white creamy spread, the middle layer consists of small round golden-brown roasted chickpeas with a slightly shiny texture, and some red flecks. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with the same creamy spread and golden roasted chickpeas, all resting on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of how the crispy roasted chickpeas pair with the smooth, tangy whipped feta. It’s one of those combinations that makes you want to keep nibbling.

Perfect Crunch: Roasting the chickpeas to crispy perfection makes every bite satisfying.
Sweet & Spicy Kick: The honey and crushed red pepper flakes bring a balanced, vibrant flavor.
Silky Whipped Feta: The whipped feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast that keeps it interesting.
Simple & Fast: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s talk ingredients. I love using good-quality pantry staples here, and bringing the feta to room temperature really makes a difference in achieving that irresistibly creamy whipped texture.

Flat lay of two small white ceramic bowls—one with fresh, whole uncracked brown chickpeas and another with creamy white whipped feta cheese topped with a drizzle of golden honey and bright red crushed chili flakes; a small white bowl of clear golden olive oil, a few fresh honey drizzles artfully spread, a sprinkling of coarse salt crystals, and a tiny white bowl containing vibrant red crushed red pepper flakes, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate amidst clean white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient—just make sure to dry them well for ultimate crispiness.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the chickpeas and adds a lovely richness to the whipped feta.
Honey: Choose a good-quality honey so the sweetness shines through and balances the spice.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a lively heat; feel free to adjust for your preferred spice level.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Feta Cheese: Bringing it to room temperature is key for easy blending and smooth whipped consistency.
Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that mellows the feta’s saltiness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives the whipped feta a luscious finish and a hint of fruity flavor.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds. Whether you want it milder, spicier, or with a little extra flair, you can make this dish uniquely yours without losing the magic it brings to the table.

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the chickpeas before cooking for a warm, earthy twist—it complements the honey and feta beautifully!
Make it vegan: Swap the whipped feta for a plant-based yogurt blended with soaked cashews and lemon juice for a creamy, tangy alternative.
Seasonal accents: Toss in some finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley on top for a bright, fresh burst, especially lovely during warmer months.
Adjust the heat: Feel free to dial down the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a gentler sweetness or pump it up if you love some serious kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

The dish shows a single layer of golden-brown chickpeas spread on top of a creamy white sauce that creates a smooth base on the plate. The chickpeas are small, round, and have a slightly shiny texture with some red chili flakes scattered among them, adding spots of red color. The plate is white with an intricate red floral pattern around the edges, which frames the food nicely. The background beneath the plate has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Dry Those Chickpeas for Ultimate Crispiness

Start by draining the two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas thoroughly. Spread them out on a few layers of paper towels and gently pat them dry. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get, so don’t skip this step! Let the chickpeas sit on the counter while you prepare the whipped feta—this also helps the surface dry a bit more, which means crunchier bites.

Step 2: Whip Up That Velvety Feta Spread

In a food processor or blender, combine 8 ounces of room temperature feta cheese, ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Blitz them together until the texture is smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Transfer the whipped feta to the fridge to chill and thicken, giving it a lovely, spreadable consistency to pair with the crunchy chickpeas.

Step 3: Coat and Crisp the Chickpeas Just Right

Place the dried chickpeas into a medium bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until every chickpea shines with a light coating. Now, choose your cooking method: pop them into an air fryer at 390°F for about 10 minutes, bake in the oven at 425°F for roughly 20 minutes, or cook them on the stovetop over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye out—you're looking for a golden, crispy exterior with just the right crunch.

Step 4: Glaze with Hot Honey, Spice, and Salt

While the chickpeas are still piping hot, toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The heat from the chickpeas will gently melt the honey, coating each one with a gorgeous sweet-spicy glaze that tantalizes the taste buds.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve Immediately

Spread the chilled whipped feta on a serving plate or shallow bowl. Top generously with your hot honey roasted chickpeas. Serve right away, accompanied by slices of crusty bread or warm pita—perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy and crunchy goodness. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe every time, turning it into your go-to showstopper appetizer.

Patience with Drying: Make sure to dry the chickpeas as thoroughly as possible before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step really makes all the difference.
Room Temperature Feta: Letting your feta come to room temperature before making the whipped feta ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture with no lumps.
Control the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking — start mild and add more if you want that perfect sweet-heat balance.
Sweeten Smartly: Use a good quality honey for the glaze. It really elevates the flavor and lends a natural floral sweetness that complements the spice beautifully.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

The image shows a single layer of golden brown chickpeas spread evenly inside a black air fryer basket. The chickpeas have a slightly shiny texture and are scattered closely but not piled on top of each other. The air fryer basket has a matte finish with a handle on the lower left corner. Underneath the basket, there is a red and white checkered cloth visible in the background, replaced here with a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint add a bright pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or za’atar spice will introduce delightful nuttiness and layers of Mediterranean flavor. For an extra touch, drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or fluffy pita for dipping. You could also serve alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a simple Greek salad to balance the richness. For a heartier spread, add marinated olives and roasted vegetables for a full Mediterranean mezze experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover whipped feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying as a creamy spread later on.

Freezing

Because whipped feta’s texture changes after freezing, it’s best not to freeze it. Instead, enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture. The chickpeas themselves don’t freeze well either, as they lose their crispiness.

Reheating

To reheat leftover crispy chickpeas, pop them in a 390°F air fryer or a preheated 425°F oven for about 5 minutes to revive their crunch. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy. Always serve immediately after reheating and add fresh honey and crushed red pepper flakes to refresh the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas fully, then dry them thoroughly before roasting to achieve the desired crispiness.

What’s the best way to get my chickpeas super crispy?

Drying the chickpeas very well before cooking and using an air fryer at 390°F for about 10 minutes usually yields the crispiest results.

Can I make the whipped feta without Greek yogurt?

Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy texture, though the tanginess might vary slightly.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I tone it down?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a noticeable but balanced heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the pepper flakes and adjust honey accordingly to maintain sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Honey Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe is one of those gems that brings together simple ingredients into a flavor-packed, crunchy, and creamy delight. Whether you're hosting guests or just craving a snack that feels a little special, this recipe is fast, versatile, and utterly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!