Chia Overnight Oats Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2024)

by Toya

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Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Toya

If you’re searching for a nutritious and easy breakfast option, then you need to try this easy chia overnight oats recipe.

This simple yet delicious breakfast recipe can be made ahead of time and customized to suit your taste buds. It is made with easy-to-find ingredients like chia seeds, oats, and milk and provides a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients to start your day right.

Chia Overnight Oats Recipe - Oh So Foodie (1)

This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you absolutely must give it a try if you’re on the lookout for low-calorie, filling breakfasts.

You can also check out my other yummy overnight oatmeal recipes, including this scrumptious cinnamon overnight oatmeal recipe, my easy strawberry overnight oatmeal recipe, or my satisfying overnight oatmeal recipe made without yogurt! You’ll really enjoy these if you need more yummy breakfast ideas.

Now let’s see how to make overnight oatmeal with chia seeds!

Ingredients needed

Here are the essential ingredients you will need to make this easy overnight oats recipe:

  • Chia Seeds:Chia seeds are the star ingredient of this recipe, providing a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. You can find chia seeds in most grocery stores or online.
  • Oats:Rolled oats work best for chia overnight oats, as they absorb the liquid well and create a creamy texture.
  • Milk:Any type of milk will work for this recipe, including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk. Choose your favorite type.
  • Sweeteners (optional):To add sweetness to your chia overnight oats, you can use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other natural sweetener.
  • Toppings (optional):Once you’ve made your chia overnight oats, you can add toppings to enhance the flavor and texture. Popular options include fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, or granola.

How to Make Chia Overnight Oats

  1. Combine the oats and milk in a jar or container.
  2. Add the chia seeds and any optional sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and mix well until everything is well incorporated.
  3. Cover the container with a lid and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours.
  4. In the morning, give the chia seed overnight oats a good stir and add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or granola.
  5. Enjoy your tasty and filling breakfast right away, or take it with you on the go!

Now that you knowhow to make chia overnight oats, you can follow these useful tips below and start customizing your recipe with various flavors, textures, and toppings. Be creative and have fun exploring new and unique variations of this wholesome and versatile breakfast option!

Chia Overnight Oats Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2)

Tips for Making Chia Overnight Oats

Chia overnight oats are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips to make the most of your chia overnight oats:

  • Experiment with spices and flavorings.Chia overnight oats can be made more interesting and delicious with the addition of different spices and flavorings. Try adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your oats for a warm, comforting taste.
  • Add fruits and nuts:For a crunchy texture and added nutrition, consider topping your overnight oats with fresh or dried fruits, nuts, or other seeds. Some popular choices include berries, bananas, and almonds.
  • Adjust the liquid-to-oats ratio:Depending on your preferred consistency, you may want to adjust the amount of liquid you use in your chia overnight oats. A little more if you like milker consistency, and a little less if you like a thicker consistency.
  • Use a variety of milk options:If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, there are many milk alternatives that can be used in yourchia overnight oats recipe. Some popular choices include almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.

Possible Variations of Chia Overnight Oats

While the basic chia overnight oats recipe is already delicious and versatile, there are manypossible variationsthat you can try to mix things up. I like bananas, peanut butter, and honey, but here are some other ideas to consider:

Flavor Combinations

Chocolate-Banana:Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 mashed banana to the oats and milk mixture before refrigerating. Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and some chopped nuts.

Blueberry-Lemon:Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest of a lemon into the oats and milk mixture. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some blueberries.

Dietary Modifications

Vegan:Use plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or soy milk instead of dairy milk. You can also skip the honey or maple syrup and use mashed bananas or dates for natural sweetness.

Gluten-free:Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as regular oats may contain traces of gluten. You can also experiment with other gluten-free grains, such as quinoa.

Keto-friendly:Replace the oats with a mixture of chia seeds and unsweetened shredded coconut or almond flour. Use unsweetened almond milk and add a tablespoon of natural nut butter for healthy fats.

Ready to make this easy recipe? Check out the recipe card below.

Chia Overnight Oats Recipe - Oh So Foodie (3)

Chia Overnight Oats

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

If you’re searching for a nutritious and easy breakfast option, then you need to try this easychia overnight oats recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, coconut, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • sliced ripe bananas, peanut butter or honey for toppings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the oats and milk in a jar or container.
  2. Add the chia seeds and any optional sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and mix well until everything is well incorporated.
  3. Cover the container with a lid and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours.
  4. In the morning, give the chia seed overnight oats a good stir and add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or granola.
  5. Enjoy your tasty and filling breakfast right away, or take it with you on the go!
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 521Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 79gFiber: 12gSugar: 40gProtein: 25g

Chia Overnight Oats Recipe - Oh So Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Why does everyone put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Why is everyone obsessed with overnight oats? ›

Wake up to your healthy breakfast ready to be eaten. No cooking, no mess, no fuss. Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

The Bottom Line

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

What are the side effects of overnight oats chia seeds? ›

However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies. Too many chia seeds may also lead to digestive issues, and if someone overeats chia seeds, it could lead to weight gain.

Is overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy. If using non-dairy milk, it's best to stick with unsweetened. Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture.

Do overnight oats cause digestive issues? ›

This is because overnight oats are soaked in liquid overnight, which can make them harder to digest for some individuals. The soaking process can break down some of the starches in the oats, making them more fermentable by gut bacteria.

Why shouldn't you put overnight oats in the fridge? ›

If you soak your oats overnight at room temperature (do not put them in the fridge!) between 7-15hrs it allows the natural enzymes and other helpful organisms to begin fermenting the grain and this will neutralise a large portion of the phytic acid.

Is yogurt necessary for overnight oats? ›

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Do overnight oats have to be in glass? ›

You can definitely make overnight oats in a plastic container. Plastic jars tend to be more durable than glass, especially when dropped, making them a popular choice for families. They're also lightweight and inexpensive.

Is overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process. Cooked oats, on the other hand, have a higher glycemic index compared to overnight oats. This means they may cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

How healthy are overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Should I put chia seeds in my oatmeal? ›

Adding chia seeds in oatmeal

Firstly, chia seeds mix in so nicely and create a gel-like mixture with the oats. They change up the texture of oatmeal ever so slightly! Secondly, they are small seeds that add nutrients, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.

What can I use instead of chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Here are some alternatives. Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit. Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

What happens when you eat oatmeal and chia seeds everyday? ›

Chia seeds are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease. 8. Energy and Satiety: Starting your day with oatmeal and chia seeds provides a steady release of energy throughout the morning.

What happens if chia seeds are soaked overnight? ›

After soaking, the seeds take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding—and you can use them to thicken or bind various recipes. You can refrigerate soaked chia seeds for up to five days, so make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.

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