Name: Chia Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 tablespoon chia seeds; ½ cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, coconut, etc.); ¼ - ½ cup Greek yogurt (start with less and adjust to your taste); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; sliced ripe bananas, peanut butter or honey for toppings (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Toya

If you’re searching for a nutritious and easy breakfast idea, then you need to try this easy chia overnight oats recipe.

This simple yet delicious breakfast recipe can be made ahead of time and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Plus, these overnight oats are made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients like chia seeds, oats, and milk, and are the perfect ways to start your day on the right foot.

This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you absolutely must give it a try if you’re on the lookout for low-calorie, filling breakfast ideas that won’t break the bank!

And, if you’re looking for more great overnight oats recipes, you must also check out my other yummy overnight oatmeal recipes, including this scrumptious cinnamon overnight oatmeal recipe, my easy strawberry overnight oatmeal recipe, or my satisfying overnight oatmeal recipe made without yogurt! You’ll really enjoy these if you need more yummy breakfast ideas.

Now let’s see how to make overnight oatmeal with chia seeds!

Tools You’ll Need

16 oz Wide-Mouth Mason Jars – These jars have now become my go-to mason jars for overnight oats especially because I like toppings and extra add ins. The wide mouth makes layering ingredients so easy, and they stack neatly in the fridge. Plus, these make make it super easy to scoop your oats and toppings out when to eat, unlike other mason jars. You can also just use any container you have on hand. Just make sure it has a lid that seals well.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – You need accurate measurements for the best oats recipe. I’ve been using these stainless steel set daily and I love them for measuring everything. If you need a good set, I highly recommend these measuring cups and spoons I got on Amazon.
Spoon – Any spoon will work. You just need one to stir everything together before placing your oats in the fridge.

Ingredients needed

Here are the essential ingredients you will need to make this easy overnight oats recipe:

Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are the star ingredient of this recipe. They provide a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and also some protein. You can find chia seeds in most grocery stores or online. I personally like using these.

The Organic Chia Seeds I Love To Use by Viva Naturals [1LBs]

If you're looking for high-quality chia seeds, these are an excellent option.

See price & reviews on Amazon →

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Oats: Rolled oats work best for chia overnight oats, as they absorb the liquid well and create a creamy texture. You can use any brand of rolled oats you have on hand. But, if you’re on the lookout for the best option, I’d like to suggest these:

My Fav Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats [32oz]

$14.55

For the perfect overnight oats, you need the best old-fashioned oats, and Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are just that! These budget-friendly, certified gluten-free oats gives you the best texture!

See price & reviews on Amazon →

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/01/2025 11:55 pm GMT

Milk: Any type of milk will work for this recipe, including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk. Choose your favorite type.
Sweeteners (optional): To add sweetness to your chia overnight oats, you can use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other natural sweetener.
Toppings (optional): Once you’ve made your chia overnight oats, you can add toppings to enhance the flavor and texture even more. Popular options include fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, or granola. I personally choose toppings based on how I’m feeling at the moment and you can do the same too!

Wide Mouth Mason Jars - 16 oz [5 Pack]

$19.99

Need some mason jars? These 16 oz wide-mouth jars are perfect for making your overnight oats! The pack of 5 is just right for prepping a week’s worth of meals, and with their budget-friendly price and durable design, they’re a must-have, not only for making overnight oats, but also for preserving etc!

See price & reviews on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/01/2025 11:21 pm GMT

How to Make Chia Overnight Oats

Start by measuring out all the ingredients. Then combine the rolled oats and milk in a wide mouth mason jar or container.
Add the chia seeds and any optional sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and mix well until everything is well incorporated.
Cover the container or mason jar with a lid and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours.
In the morning, give the chia seed overnight oats a good stir and add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or granola.
Enjoy your tasty and filling breakfast right away, or take it with you on the go!

Now that you know how to make chia overnight oats, you can follow these useful tips below and start customizing your recipe with various flavors, textures, and toppings. Be creative and have fun trying out new and unique variations of this wholesome and versatile breakfast recipe!

Tips for Making Chia Overnight Oats

Chia overnight oats are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips to make the most of your chia overnight oats:

Try spices and flavorings. Chia overnight oats can be made more interesting and delicious with the addition of different spices and flavorings. Try adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your oats for a warm, comforting taste. Just ¼ to ½ tsp of either of these is all you will need for the recipe!
Add fruits and nuts: For a more crunchy texture and added nutrition, try topping your overnight oats with fresh or dried fruits, nuts, or other seeds. I like using berries, bananas, and almonds in my overnight oats.
Adjust the liquid-to-oats ratio: Depending on your preferred consistency, you may want to adjust the amount of liquid you use in your chia overnight oats. A little more if you like milker consistency, and a little less if you like a thicker consistency.
Use a variety of milk options: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, there are many milk alternatives that can be used in your chia overnight oats recipe. Some popular choices include almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.

Possible Variations of Chia Overnight Oats

While the basic chia overnight oats recipe is already delicious and versatile, there are many other ways to vary this recipe. I like bananas, peanut butter, and honey, and so this is what, is used here, but there are many other ideas to consider:

Flavor Combinations

Chocolate-Banana: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 mashed banana to the oats and milk mixture before refrigerating. And, if you don’t like mashed banana in your oats, wait the until the next morning and add fresh, sliced ripe banana to the top of your oats along with with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and some chopped nuts.

Blueberry-Lemon: Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest of a lemon into the oats and milk mixture. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some blueberries the next day or when you’re ready to enjoy.

Possible Dietary Modifications

Vegan: Use plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or soy milk instead of dairy milk. You can also skip the honey or maple syrup and use mashed bananas or dates for natural sweetness.

Gluten-free: Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as regular oats may contain traces of gluten. You can also experiment with other gluten-free grains, such as quinoa. If you need some gluten free rolled oats suggestions, this is my favorite brand that you can grab on Amazon.

My Fav Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats [32oz]

$14.55

See price & reviews on Amazon →

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

05/01/2025 11:55 pm GMT

Keto-friendly: Replace the oats with a mixture of chia seeds and unsweetened shredded coconut or almond flour. Use unsweetened almond milk and add a tablespoon of natural nut butter for healthy fats.

🌟 Amazon Finds That Make This Recipe Even Easier

These are a few of my favorite Amazon finds that you can use to make this recipe. If you’re prepping a few jars for the week, these tools and pantry staples really come in handy!

• 16 oz Wide-Mouth Mason Jars – I love these jars for layering oats and toppings. They’re sturdy, reusable, and perfect for meal prep.
• Viva Naturals Organic Chia Seeds – These are the exact chia seeds I use. They’re high-quality chia seeds that add the best texture to my oats.
• Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons – This set is a kitchen staple. Durable and precise, they make measuring ingredients effortless.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – These oats are my favorite for overnight recipes. They soak up the liquid beautifully and have a great texture.

🛒 Click the links to check them out on Amazon!

Ready to make this easy recipe? Check out the recipe card below.