Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
Published Dec 07, 2016•Updated Aug 27, 2025
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Meet your new busy-season breakfast bestie. Overnight oats with chia seeds make the most satisfying, healthy, EASY breakfast. Did I mention they’re incredibly easy? These beauties are vegan, gluten-free, 250 calories per serving and totally customizable. Top with dried fruit, granola and a drizzle of honey for a superfood breakfast that you’ll feel great about all day.
A few years ago (probably after many other food writers) I discovered overnight oats. Talk about an upgrade to the breakfast routine. These days, I rarely ever make a batch of overnight oats without adding chia seeds because they add so much great protein, fiber, and antioxidants to the mix.
Overnight Oats 101
If you’re not familiar with overnight oats, I’m here to tell you that it’s worth trying this style of oats, which are “cooked” simply by soaking in liquid overnight. They are completely customizable. This version uses almond milk which I like for its subtle nutty flavor, but you can use regular milk, coconut milk, or even water with a little yogurt.
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Pin It NowHow to Store Overnight Oats
You have two great options when you go to refrigerate your overnight oats:
- Store them in a bowl, covered (just spoon out what you want each morning)
- In individual jars (perfect to grab and go)
Some of these photos feature the individual jar method used in my Mason Jar Overnight Oats.
When you’re rushing around in the kitchen first thing in the morning, it’s a great feeling to pull these oats out of the refrigerator and know that they will be perfect every time.
Even my pickiest child will happily eat bowl after bowl of overnight oats, making me feel like I’m winning at the breakfast game.
And later…we’ll eat all the cookies.
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Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Raw Rolled Oats (sometimes labeled "old fashioned" oats; be sure to use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Flax Seeds (optional; see note)
- 4 1/2 cups Milk (any kind will work)
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional)
- pinch Salt
For topping (use any combination):
- Yogurt
- Dried or fresh fruit
- Honey
- Granola
- Nut butters
Instructions
- Combine oats, chia seeds, flax seeds (if using), and milk. Stir in brown sugar and a pinch of salt (don't skip the salt – I think it brings out a lot of flavor in the oats, even if you skip the sugar).
- Store oats in the refrigerator overnight.
- Serve oats straight out of the refrigerator (or warm them up briefly in the microwave if you'd prefer). Add toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hey,
Love this recipe! I add cinnamon and blueberries or sometimes butternut squash or pumpkin puree if I am craving more orange foods.
I noticed the sprouted sunflower seed comment. Yay for the Lucky person who got sunflower sprouts! I love sunflower sprouts as they are sweet tasting, nutritious and fairly easy to grow. Very digestible as well. Maybe not a good oatmeal ingredient, ha ha but delicious in salad or a wrap. If I have too much of them, I throw them in a smoothie.
Amazing tips! Pumpkin puree is such a good idea to add!
My oatmeal is very liquidy, has far too much milk in it. HELP!
Stir, stir, stir! It will thicken up.
Hi, thank you for this recipe!
I have 2 question-
1- how much grams are one serving?
2- You’ve mentioned that it’s ok to heat the oats in the microwave, I thought of adding blueberries is it safe to heat them or should I add it before serving?
Thanks!
Hi there! I apologize – I’m not exactly sure how many grams make one serving just because I haven’t ever measured it that way. But the blueberries should be just fine in the microwave. I’d cover the bowl with a paper towel in case one or two burst, but I often add frozen blueberries ahead and heat them up right in the oatmeal, so I’m sure fresh blueberries would be just fine.
Good to know
I’ve been eating this oatmeal for the past couple of weeks, just loving it!
Thank you