Overnight Chia Oats are creamy, satisfying, delicious and so easy to throw together. Just toss everything in a bowl the night before and by morning they’re ready to serve. Perfect for a fast and filling make-ahead breakfast or snack!
What are Overnight Chia Oats?
Overnight chia oats are a ridiculously easy, no-cook, make-ahead breakfast or snack. All you need is 5 minutes, a bowl and few ingredients. When your days are busy, stressful or you just have zero interest in spending any time in kitchen, overnight chia oats will have your back! It’s as easy as putting a few things a bowl, giving a stir and like the name implies, they hang out in the fridge overnight. There’s nothing like waking up groggy, opening the fridge door and BOOM, a heavenly bowl of breakfast is waiting for you. Either eat it as is or top with what you’d like and you’ll be on your merry way to tackling the day!
The oats keep for about up to 5 days in the fridge, they travel well and are perfect for meal-prep. If I know I’m in store for a hectic week, I make a big batch Sunday night so breakfast is ready for all week long!
How to Make Overnight Chia Oats
There are really two methods for overnight chia oats. The first is to portion out the ingredients in individual containers. The second is the method I prefer, but to each their own. I mix all the ingredients in one bowl and portion out either the next day into individual containers or I might portion out each time I’m ready to eat. The reason I like to mix everything in one bowl is because it allows for a more uniform consistency, less measuring, and I can portion out how much I want each time. Some days a small bowl will suffice and other days I might need a giant bowl to fill me up. Just depends on the day! So, with that said, here’s what you’ll need:
Oats: Nothing fancy here. Good ol’ old fashioned rolled outs is key. Some say you can use steel cut oats, but I’m not sold. It would take more soaking time, more liquid and the consistency would be much different, potentially chewy and just not as pleasant all around. Instant or quick cooking oats will turn mushy, so stick with regular rolled oats.
Chia: Here’s the big consistency game changer. Chia seeds absorb moisture and create a wonderfully creamy and pudding-like texture. They’re also great for omega-3’s and fiber. They’re mild tasting so great for adding to all kinds of foods like cereal and oats!
Milk: You can use any milk you’d like. You could have some flavor fun by playing around with different milks like oat milk, a nut milk (almond, cashew or macadamia) or coconut milk. Or keep it simple with cow’s milk.
The consistency of overnight chia oats is dependent on the amount of liquid. So, if you find you like a really thick overnight oat, use less liquid. Or for a more thinned out consistency, use more liquid.
Honey: Optional sweetener. I like a touch of honey sweetness and my husband thinks they’re sweet enough on their own. So preference is all yours!
Flavor Boosters: You can be as minimal or fancy as you’d like here. This recipe calls for vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and orange zest. So a bit fancied up. You could go as simple as just adding some cinnamon and it’d still taste great. See below for some flavor combo ideas!
Toppings: This is what you’ll add right before you’re ready to eat. I love the banana, mango, almond butter combo. Toss in some toasted almonds and coconut and you’ll be in tropical heaven. But the options definitely do not stop there!
Other Great Flavor Combos
Note: If trying out another flavor variation, use the base – oat, chia to milk formula and add in what you’d like!
- Peanut butter and strawberries
- Frozen mixed berries and cinnamon
- Golden milk (milk + cinnamon, turmeric, ginger), pistachios and orange segments
- Tahini, dates, banana and toasted sesame seeds
- Peaches, vanilla, almonds and maple syrup
- Bing cherries, pecans and cacoa nibs
- Blackberries, honey and walnuts
If you make these Overnight Chia Oats with Mango and Banana make sure to leave a comment or give it a rating! And if you’re into taking photos of your food (like me), be sure to give me a tag on Instagram!
Overnight Chia Oats with Mango & Banana
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Description
Overnight Chia Oats are creamy, satisfying, delicious and so easy to throw together. Just toss everything in a bowl the night before and by morning they’re ready to serve. Perfect for a fast and filling make-ahead breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
2 1/2 c. regular rolled oats
6 Tbsp. chia seeds
4 c. milk
2 tsp. honey
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cardamom
Zest from 1 orange
Optional Toppings:
Sliced bananas
Mango
Almond Butter
Toasted coconut
Toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and orange zest. Cover the bowl and place in refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.
The next morning, give the oats a stir and portion into bowls or to-go containers. Top with bananas, mango, almond butter, coconut and almonds. Serve and enjoy!
Keywords: chia seeds, oats, overnight chia oats, chia oats, overnight oats, meal-prep, make-ahead, mango, banana, almonds, almond butter, coconut, breakfast, snack
