The easiest ever Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds — only three ingredients and a couple minutes of prep time for a filling and nutritious breakfast!
Love overnight oats? Us too! Try one of our four Overnight Oats recipes, these Pumpkin Overnight Oats, or these favorite Brownie Batter Overnight Oats.
Looking for overnight oats without chia seeds? Try these Chocolate Almond Overnight Oats.
Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds
This breakfast of chia seeds and overnight oats may not be for everyone, but it has been my go-to as of late!
On a recent camping trip, I threw this “recipe” together the night before we left and added the jar of it to the cooler. While we typically build a fire and cook a campfire breakfast (the best!), we planned for breakfasts on the go so we could get to an early morning hike. Not expecting much of my cheater Overnight Oats and Chia Seeds, I was pleasantly surprised by how good the concoction was. Winner!
Good enough that I started craving it the next morning and ended up whipping together a whole week’s worth for breakfasts and snacks. These chia seeds in overnight oats could not be relegated only to camping trips!
Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds Benefits
And while this is barely a recipe, I figured the breakfast I can’t stop eating was worth a share anyway.
Not only is the prep ridiculously quick, but this breakfast is also so filling and nutritious.
Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and loaded with fiber. If you’re looking to increase your fiber and/or protein intake, these tiny seeds are a great place to start.
Quick Tip
One ounce of chia seeds (2 tablespoons) has close to 10 grams of fiber! Fiber is an important part of a balanced diet, and, among many other benefits, is linked to reducing food intake and appetite. This is because high-fiber foods are more satiating than low-fiber foods, meaning you will likely stay satisfied for longer while eating less.
Only Three Ingredients!
- Chia seeds. Health food sections, bulk food sections, the baking or spice aisle, or bulk food bins are all places you may find chia seeds in your grocery store.
- Better Oats® Instant Oatmeal. This is fairly specific, but it helps us cut down on other ingredients since it’s flavored and sweetened– so we don’t need to add anything extra here. We’re obsessed with these instant oatmeal packets — Maple and Brown Sugar is our favorite flavor! If you are watching calories or looking to make overnight oats with chia seeds for weight loss, the 100-calorie packets are also delicious in this recipe.
- Plant-based milk. While any plant-based milk works here, our two personal favorites are macadamia nut milk and unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
Quick Tip
Use leftover chia seeds in Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding, Chia Seed Pudding, or atop this Breakfast Toast!
How To Make Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds
This recipe is truly as simple as mixing everything together and letting it sit overnight!
- Add the entire packet of oatmeal, chia seeds, and milk to a jar or container and stir.
- In the morning, the oats and chia seeds will have softened and expanded. Sometimes they’ve clumped up a bit, but give everything a good stir and you’ll be left with an ultra-creamy and tasty breakfast!
Quick Tip
You don’t need to prepare the oats or do anything beyond opening the packet and emptying its contents into a jar!
Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds Topping Ideas
My favorite way to enjoy these Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds is with a handful of fresh berries and a packet of maple almond butter — so good! Here are some more ideas:
- Fresh fruit: Pick what you love most: chopped strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chopped banana, kiwi, or mandarin orange slices. My kiddos love these oats with chia seeds and banana — dice it up and mix it throughout with some peanut butter!
- Nuts and/or seeds: Dry-roasted and lightly salted sliced almonds, pecans, or cashews would be delicious. Pepitas would also make a nice topping!
- A handful of granola (We love this Almond Granola.)
- Puréed fruit: Purée some berries with milk and swirl through it the mixture for fruity Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds.
- A drizzle of nut butter: Add almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or any of the other options for a hit of protein plus flavor. My favorite topping (especially easy when camping or on the go) are these individual RX Nut Butter packets — SO good!
Variations
- Overnight oats with chia seeds and yogurt: For an even creamier pudding, mix through some tasty yogurt in the morning. We love Noosa® vanilla bean yogurt best here!
- Overnight oats with chia seeds and protein: To boost the amount of protein, add a tablespoon or two of protein powder in the morning– or add in some nut butter, which also has a good amount of protein.
Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds FAQs
What is the texture of Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds?
These overnight oats are ultra-soft and creamy, similar in texture to muesli, like softened oat cereal with cold milk. The chia seeds gel overnight, thickening the mixture and adding a nice contrasting texture.
Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats?
The chia seeds add fiber and protein, which are good for your health. They also give a nice texture, a bit of flavor, and help thicken the mixture.
Is it good to add chia seeds to oatmeal?
Yes! These tiny seeds are super nutritious! They have important minerals that can help with digestion and keep blood sugar levels steady.
Can I add raw chia seeds to oatmeal?
Yes! No cooking is needed. Everything softens to a creamy consistency overnight. This recipe is meant to be eaten chilled, straight from the fridge.
More Nutritious Breakfast Recipes
- Soft-Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with chocolate chunks
- Baked Oatmeal with berries
- Microwave Oatmeal with four different flavors
- Golden Milk Smoothie with anti-inflammatory spices
- Healthy Carrot Muffins naturally sweetened
Overnight Oats With Chia Seeds
Equipment
- Sealable container
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup milk see note 1
- 1 packet Better Oats Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal see note 2
- Toppings as desired see note 3
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a lidded container. Skip package instructions for the oatmeal; just pour it in. Stir, cover, and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours. Note: The mixture stays creamy and liquidy, similar to muesli with added milk, which I love!
- In the morning, stir the mixture to break up any clumps. Enjoy it chilled, either straight from the jar or in a bowl, with your favorite toppings. I recommend fresh berries and flavored nut butter. (see note 3) Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Fresh fruit: Pick what you love most: chopped strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chopped banana, kiwi, or mandarin orange slices.
- Nuts and/or seeds: Dry-roasted and lightly salted sliced almonds, pecans, or cashews are delicious. Pepitas also make a nice topping!
- Granola: I love this almond granola.
- Puréed fruit: Purée some berries with milk and swirl it through the mixture for fruity Overnight Oats and Chia Seeds.
- Nut butter: Add a drizzle of almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or any of the other options for a hit of protein plus flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
