Spicy Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Chickpeas: A Comforting, Protein-Packed Dish for Any Time of Day
If you love hearty meals that come together effortlessly yet deliver big flavours, then this recipe is about to become your new favourite. Spicy baked eggs with tomatoes and chickpeas is the kind of dish that checks every box: warming, quick, nutritious, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. Whether you enjoy bold brunches, nourishing weeknight dinners, or flavourful vegetarian options, this baked-egg skillet is pure comfort from the first bite to the last.
Think of it like a cross between Middle Eastern shakshuka and a rustic Mediterranean casserole—rich tomato sauce, creamy chickpeas, aromatic spices, and perfectly baked eggs. Even better, it all comes together in one pan, making it an ideal option when you’re craving something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why This Dish Works So Well
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple ingredients transform into a warming, aromatic meal. Tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, chickpeas add protein and texture, and eggs provide richness. With spices like paprika, cumin, red chilli flakes, or harissa paste, the final dish becomes layered, bold, and deeply comforting.
This is also the perfect “pantry-friendly” recipe. Most of the ingredients—tinned tomatoes, canned chickpeas, eggs, onions, garlic—are items you likely already have on hand. You can cook it on a lazy Sunday morning or pull it together on a busy weeknight when you want something quick but nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make spicy baked eggs with tomatoes and chickpeas, you only need a handful of everyday pantry staples plus a few fresh aromatics. Here’s what goes into the skillet:
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Onion and garlic for building flavour
- Crushed or chopped tomatoes (tinned or fresh)
- Cooked chickpeas
- Eggs
- Chilli flakes or fresh chillies for heat
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander, or basil
- Optional add-ins: spinach, red peppers, harissa paste, feta cheese, olives, or lemon zest for brightness
Each ingredient plays a role: the tomatoes create the rich base, while chickpeas add a creamy bite that soaks up the spices. The eggs gently bake on top, staying soft and runny for that irresistible, scoopable texture.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Build the Aromatic Base
Start by heating olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Once the onions begin to caramelise, stir in finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
This step sets the tone for the entire dish. The sweetness of the onions and garlic deepens the tomato sauce and balances the spice.
2. Add Spices and Tomatoes
Next, sprinkle in your spices—ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red chilli flakes. Allow them to toast for a few seconds in the oil; this helps release their essential oils and create a much richer flavour.
Pour in your crushed or chopped tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 5–8 minutes, reducing slightly until it thickens. The mixture should become deep red and glossy.
3. Add Chickpeas
Stir in the chickpeas, making sure they’re fully coated in the sauce. Allow them to heat through for a few minutes. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable stock. You want it saucy enough for eggs to cook gently but thick enough to remain hearty.
4. Create Wells and Add the Eggs
Use the back of a spoon to make small indentations in the sauce—one for each egg. Crack your eggs into the wells. Season each egg lightly with salt and pepper.
If you like your eggs very soft, bake for less time; for firmer yolks, leave them until set.
5. Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–12 minutes. Keep an eye on the eggs; they go from runny to firm quickly. The moment the whites are set but the yolks still jiggle, the dish is ready.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings
Once the skillet comes out of the oven, top it with fresh coriander or parsley. You can also add crumbled feta, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a spoonful of harissa for extra heat.
Serve immediately and enjoy the aroma that fills the kitchen.
What to Serve With It
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
Crusty Bread or Pita
Perfect for scooping up the tomato-egg mixture and soaking up every drop of sauce.
Warm Rice or Quinoa
For a more filling dinner option, serve it over grains. The soft eggs mixed with rice are particularly comforting.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy potatoes with spicy baked eggs? A match made in heaven.
A Simple Salad
Balance the richness with cucumber salad, mixed greens, or a citrusy side.
Why Chickpeas Make This Recipe Extra Special
Chickpeas are more than just a filler—this dish truly benefits from their creamy, nutty flavour. They bring plant-based protein and fibre, making the skillet both hearty and nutritious. Plus, chickpeas absorb spices beautifully, enhancing every bite with a warm, earthy depth.
Chickpeas also hold their shape well when baked, so they stay pleasantly firm even after soaking up all those aromatic flavours.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Eggs
1. Don’t Overbake
The magic of this dish lies in soft, runny yolks. Check the oven frequently once the whites begin to set.
2. Adjust the Heat
Customise the spice level to your taste. For extra heat, add diced fresh chillies, harissa, or cayenne. For mild heat, reduce the chilli flakes.
3. Use an Oven-Safe Pan
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat and moves easily from stovetop to oven.
4. Add Veggies
Spinach, kale, red peppers, aubergine, courgette—this dish welcomes almost any vegetable.
5. Make It Ahead
Prepare the tomato-chickpea base a day ahead, then simply add eggs and bake when ready to serve.
Healthy Benefits of This Dish
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients:
- Eggs provide protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
- Chickpeas add fibre, plant protein, and minerals like iron and magnesium.
- Tomatoes deliver antioxidants, especially lycopene.
- Spices such as cumin and paprika have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats.
It’s a balanced meal with protein, complex carbs, and good fats—all in one pan.
Variations to Try
Mediterranean Style
Add olives, basil, and a sprinkle of feta.
Middle Eastern Twist
Use harissa, sumac, or za’atar for depth.
Indian-Inspired
Stir in garam masala, turmeric, and fresh coriander.
Green Shakshuka Version
Replace tomatoes with spinach, kale, courgette, and herbs.
Cheesy Bake
Top with grated cheddar, mozzarella, or halloumi before baking.
Final Thoughts
Spicy baked eggs with tomatoes and chickpeas is one of those rare dishes that manages to be comforting, nourishing, and bursting with flavour—all while requiring surprisingly little effort. With its rich tomato base, warming spices, and perfectly baked eggs, it’s a meal that feels both rustic and refined.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a slow Sunday brunch or a quick midweek dinner, this dish promises warmth, aroma, and satisfaction every time. Try it once, and it will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.