Make a chia seed oatmeal bowl for an upgraded twist on an already nutritious breakfast. This oatmeal recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients that bring all the health benefits you need to kick off your day. You won’t believe how something so good for you can taste so amazing!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast: For busy mornings, you can still get a healthy breakfast on the table. And what’s more, it tastes so great you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. 
  • Healthy: If you’re looking for new healthy breakfast ideas, make it this chia seed oatmeal recipe. It’s the upgrade your bowl of oatmeal needs. 
  • Versatile: This basic recipe for chia seed oatmeal can be topped with all your favorite things to really make you crave it first thing in the morning. 

Ingredients + Notes

Bowl of rolled oats surrounded by ingredients for chia oatmeal.

There are only a few simple ingredients needed to make this healthy breakfast recipe. It’s the perfect way to add more nutrition to your meal plan starting with the first meal of the day. 

  • Rolled Oats: Rolled oats cook quickly, which is exactly what is needed for this chia seed oatmeal recipe. Any quick-cooking oats will work, though rolled oats will be the best option.
  • Water: Boiling water turns the oats and chia seeds into the right texture for your bowl of nutrition for breakfast. 
  • Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are a great option for putting more nutrients into your day. They have healthy fatty acids and all sorts of vitamins and minerals that make them a shining star. 
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is probably my favorite way to add a little sweetness to things. It’s so much healthier than adding sugar. 
  • Salt: The secret to the best oatmeal is using a pinch of salt. This helps balance the flavors for a breakfast you won’t be able to stop eating. 

Step-by-step Instructions

If you can boil water, you can make this chia seed oatmeal bowl. Alternatively, you could boil the water in your microwave if you need to, but this is the best method. 

1. Boil water in a tea kettle.

2. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt to a bowl and pour hot water over the top.

3. Let sit for 3-5 minutes until the oats have soaked up most of the hot water.

Bowl of rolled oats with chia seeds and the hot water soaked in.

4. Stir the bowl of oatmeal and add in your favorite toppings!

Bowl of chia oatmeal with the toppings added.

Recipe Video

Recipe Variations

There are ways to vary this chia seed oatmeal recipe if you want or need to make adjustments. These tips will help you get the best results. 

  • Sweeteners: Maple syrup is my preferred sweetener for this chia seed oatmeal, but you can also use agave nectar, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or brown sugar. 
  • Milk: Give your chia seed oatmeal a creamy texture with some milk. Use your favorite milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. 
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a few drops of vanilla extract can help enhance the sweetness of your oatmeal. 
  • Oats: When it comes to delicious oatmeal, you need quick-cooking oats. Rolled oats are my top recommendation though instant styles of oats also work too. You shouldn’t use steel-cut oats since they won’t work in this recipe. 
Top down photo of chia oats with fresh raspberries hazel nuts on top surrounded by ingredients.

Recipe Topping Ideas

While this basic recipe for chia seed oatmeal is great on its own, the best way to maximize your enjoyment is through toppings. Here are some suggestions to help you make a new flavor of chia seed oatmeal every day. 

  • Fresh fruit: Adding fresh berries or another favorite fruit is a great way to enhance this breakfast.
  • Peanut butter: Peanut butter and nut butter, in general, are one of my favorite toppings for this easy recipe. 
  • Seeds: Add hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or flax seeds for an extra crunch. This chia oats recipe is topped with this Easy Raspberry Chia Jam too!
  • Coconut flakes: Take your taste buds to the tropics with sweet coconut flakes that will complement the rest of the flavors of this blood sugar-friendly recipe. 
  • Chocolate chips: If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy a few chocolate chips on top for an indulgent breakfast that truly satisfies. Combine it with the coconut flakes, and you’ll feel like you’re eating a candy bar. 
  • Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon with any of these ingredients will also bring warmth and spice to your chia seed oatmeal. 
Handmade bowl filled with raspberry chia oatmeal.

Storage Tips

This oatmeal recipe is so easy and quick to make that you should plan on making it as needed. Still, because it is so satisfying, you may wind up with leftovers. Here’s how to keep them from being wasted. 

Fridge

While your chia seed oatmeal will last for up to 5 days in the fridge, try to eat it the next day for the best flavors. You’ll want to store any remainder in an airtight container for the best taste. 

Freeze

Yes, you can freeze it, too, if you like. Some people do it for meal prep or to keep from wasting food. You’ll want an airtight container here too, and you should make sure to use it within 3 months. You can then serve it as hot oatmeal or even cold oatmeal for a treat. 

Large bowl of chia seed oatmeal topped with raspberry chia pudding.

FAQ

Is it good to add chia seeds to oatmeal?

Yes, it’s wonderful to add chia seeds to oatmeal. They make this healthy breakfast even more nutritious with healthy fats, fiber, and protein that are good for your digestive tract. 

Should I soak chia seeds before adding them to oatmeal?

No, you don’t need to soak the chia seeds first. They will absorb the water that’s added to the oatmeal. 

Should I add chia seeds before or after cooking oatmeal?

For this recipe, you should add the chia seeds before cooking the oatmeal. The boiling water will soften the texture. Of course, you can also add some on top of the finished product if you want a contrast in texture too. 

How healthy is chia seed oatmeal?

Chia seed oatmeal is incredibly healthy. It combines the nutrition of oats with chia seeds for a winning breakfast you can feel good about serving. It makes for the ultimate platform to top with fruits and other yummy toppings too, while filling you up and allowing you to make magic happen during your day.

Close up of chia oatmeal topped with hazel nuts, raspberries, and chia jam.

More Oatmeal Recipes

Bowl of chia oatmeal with raspberries and two spoons sticking out of it.

Recipe

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Top down photo of chia oats with fresh raspberries hazel nuts on top surrounded by ingredients.

Chia Seed Oatmeal


  • Author: Rae Aflatooni
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Make a chia seed oatmeal bowl for an upgraded twist on an already nutritious breakfast. This oatmeal recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients that bring all the health benefits you need to kick off your day.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup of rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup of hot water
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a tea kettle.
  2. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt to a bowl and pour hot water over the top.
  3. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the oats have soaked up most of the hot water.
  4. Stir the bowl of oatmeal and add in your favorite toppings!

Notes

Storage Tips

This oatmeal recipe is so easy and quick to make that you should plan on making it as needed. Still, because it is so satisfying, you may wind up with leftovers. Here’s how to keep them from being wasted.
Fridge: While your chia seed oatmeal will last for up to 5 days in the fridge, try to eat it the next day for the best flavors. You’ll want to store any remainder in an airtight container for the best taste.
Freeze: Yes, you can freeze it, too, if you like. Some people do it for meal prep or to keep from wasting food. You’ll want an airtight container here too, and you should make sure to use it within 3 months. You can then serve it as hot oatmeal or even cold oatmeal for a treat.

  • Prep Time: 2
  • Cook Time: 3
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stir
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chia oatmeal, easy vegan breakfast, instant oatmeal

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Recipe rating

4 Comments

  1. This oatmeal is extra filling.

  2. This recipe is my go-to oatmeal recipe now. I love it! You can really make it have a unique taste each time with different toppings.