Healthy Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
A quick, nutritious, and flexible breakfast recipe featuring creamy oats and chia seeds, with three delicious variations: Classic Berry Banana, Tropical Coconut Mango, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (45g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chia seeds
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk or milk alternative (almond, oat, or regular milk)
- ¼ cup (60g) Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat) or dairy-free coconut yogurt
- 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- For Classic Berry Banana variation: 1 medium ripe banana (mashed), ½ cup (75g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen), 1 tablespoon (10g) slivered almonds
- For Tropical Coconut Mango variation: ½ cup (80g) mango (diced, fresh or thawed frozen), 1 tablespoon (7g) unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lime juice
- For Chocolate Peanut Butter variation: 1 tablespoon (7g) cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon (16g) natural peanut butter, 1 tablespoon (15g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ¾ cup milk of choice, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly for about 2 minutes to start absorbing the liquid.
- Prepare your chosen variation: For Classic Berry Banana, mash the banana and fold in with mixed berries. For Tropical Coconut Mango, stir in diced mango, shredded coconut, and lime juice. For Chocolate Peanut Butter, whisk cocoa powder into the base, then stir in peanut butter and optional chocolate chips. This takes 3-5 minutes.
- Divide the mixture evenly into 3-4 mason jars or airtight containers. Optionally top with slivered almonds, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips depending on the variation. This takes about 2 minutes.
- Seal the jars and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow oats and chia seeds to thicken to a creamy, pudding-like texture.
- Before serving, stir each jar to mix any settled chia seeds. Add fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey if desired. Enjoy cold or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if preferred.
Notes
Use rolled oats for best texture; avoid instant or steel-cut oats. Let milk and yogurt come to room temperature before mixing to speed soaking. Adjust sweetness lightly to avoid grainy texture. Add a splash of milk in the morning if oats are too thick. Store sealed in fridge up to 4 days. Freeze portions without fresh fruit toppings for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 jar (approxi
- Calories: 300350
- Sodium: 0.501
- Fat: 68
- Carbohydrates: 4045
- Fiber: 810
- Protein: 1012
Keywords: overnight oats, chia seeds, healthy breakfast, easy breakfast, meal prep, vegan option, gluten-free, creamy oats