Chia Seed Overnight Oats are thick, creamy, delicious, and endlessly customizable! Make them tonight for an easy breakfast tomorrow!
Author’s Notes
Still Making Them 15 Years Later
I’ve been making overnight oats for over 15 years now, which feels wild to say! I still remember experimenting with batches in college so I could quickly grab breakfast on my way to class or work.
And all these years later, I still make and rely on them! I mix things up more now with açaí bowls, yogurt bowls, protein shakes, and other quick breakfasts, but overnight oats will always be in the rotation.
These days, I love adding chia seeds to the mix. They give the oats such a great texture and add extra fiber, which I’m always trying to get more of!
These are my perfect chia seed overnight oats: creamy, lightly sweet, and so easy to customize with whatever toppings I’m craving.
Chia Seed Overnight Oats Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Chia seeds & old-fashioned oats | Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best texture. |
| Almond milk | Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my favorite, but any milk will work. |
| Maple syrup | Add more or less depending on how sweet you like your oats. You can also sweeten with honey! |
| Vanilla, cinnamon & salt | These simple additions give these chia seed overnight oats such a nice flavor! |
| Toppings | Add yogurt, nut butter, berries, banana, granola, or roasted nuts. Mix & match however you like! |
CHelsea’s Notes
Perfecting Texture on Your Chia Seed Overnight Oats
Whisk your chia seed overnight oats mixture really well before refrigerating so the chia seeds don’t clump. Chia seeds love to clump together, so you want them evenly mixed throughout.
By morning, the oats will be thick & creamy. Stir in a splash of milk before serving if you prefer a looser texture.
Make ‘Em Your Own!
Chia seed overnight oats are one of those breakfasts that can taste completely different depending on the toppings. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
- Peanut butter banana: Banana, creamy peanut butter & granola
- Berry yogurt: Greek yogurt, strawberries, blueberries & roasted chopped nuts
- Apple cinnamon: Diced apple, extra cinnamon, pecans & a drizzle of maple syrup
- Almond berry: Almond butter, raspberries & toasted almonds
- Crunchy granola: Greek yogurt, berries & plenty of granola on top
Quick Tip
Can You Eat Overnight Oats Warm? Overnight oats are typically eaten cold, but there’s no rule that says they have to be! If you prefer a warm breakfast, heat your portion in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to stir in a little extra milk first since the oats thicken quite a bit overnight.
Do You Have to Soak Them Overnight? Not necessarily. A few hours works, but overnight gives the oats a softer, creamier texture.
More Breakfast Recipes To Try
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Breakfast Cookies
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Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Breakfast
Avocado Toast Recipes
Desserts
Croissant Breakfast Bake
Chia Seed Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- Small pinch salt
- 1-1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup plus more for topping, see note 1
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 swirl of peanut butter or almond butter
- Greek yogurt as desired, I love Greek Gods best!
- Fresh berries raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries
- 1 small banana thinly sliced or diced
- 1 handful granola
- 1 small handful coarsely chopped roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.
Instructions
- In a large container with a lid, whisk together all of the ingredients listed under "Chia Seed Overnight Oats" until well combined. Be sure nothing settles on the bottom.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. If you're able to, give the mixture another good stir after 10–15 minutes to help prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
- Scoop the desired portion into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. This is where overnight oats get fun! I love adding a splash of milk for a creamier texture, then topping with Greek yogurt and/or nut butter, fresh banana or berries, and granola or chopped nuts. For extra sweetness, drizzle with a little more maple syrup. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
