Spiced Chai Overnight Oats

Name: Spiced Chai Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 185 min
Ingredients: 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (see note 1); 2 tablespoons chia seeds (see note 2); 3 teaspoons homemade chai spice mix; 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1/3 cup maple syrup

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by Marcie // January 4, 2016 (updated 12/12/20)

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Ultra creamy Chai Overnight Oats are made with almond milk, chia seeds, and plenty of warm chai spice flavor. This is an easy meal prep breakfast that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free!

For a non-morning person like me, a grab-and-go breakfast like overnights oats is perfect. I love waking up knowing that a filling breakfast is ready for me and all I have to do is make my coffee!

This easy recipe calls for simple ingredients like old-fashioned oats, milk (regular or non-dairy), and your sweetener of choice.

What makes this recipe stand out from the crowd is the use of chia seeds for added creaminess, and my favorite homemade chai spice mix for layers of warm spiced flavor.

The chai spice flavor will give you a nice, cozy feeling that you need on a cold winter morning — even though the oats are typically served cold! You can definitely warm them if you prefer.

This is a breakfast that I always look forward to. 🙂

Chai overnight oats in jars with spoon inside.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Overnight oats are so creamy and satisfying, and the warm chai spice flavor makes this recipe extra special.
The addition of chia seeds helps thicken the oats and boosts nutrition.
It includes just 5 ingredients and prep time is 5 minutes.
This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, and can be easily customized with ingredients you have on hand.

Recipe ingredients

You’ll need just (6) simple ingredients to make the chai spiced ovenight oats with chia seeds.

Oats. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. If you’d like to sub with steel cut oats, see my post on overnight steel cut oats.
Chia seeds. Adds extra fiber and also thickens the oat mixture just as it does my chia seed pudding.
Chai spice mix. Note that the chai spice mix is a blend of spices, NOT actual chai tea. I love prepping a batch to have on hand for chai pumpkin pie and so much more.
Maple syrup. May be replaced with your favorite sweetener.
Unsweetened almond milk. Sub with your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Vanilla. Optional, but adds another delicious layer of flavor.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make this recipe

There’s minimal prep required when making overnight oats infused with chai spices. Prep time takes 5 minutes, and the oats take a minimum of 3 hours to absorb the liquid and soften.

Pro tip: Do not substitute the rolled oats with quick oats as they will become mushy. If you’d like to sub with steel cut oats, see my post on overnight steel cut oats.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make chai overnight oats with chia seeds.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds and chai spice.
Add the almond milk and maple syrup.
Stir well to combine, then cover the oats with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
Once softened, stir the oats and add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup additional milk if they are overly thick.

Spiced chai overnight oats with cinnamon stick and star anise garnish.

Recipe FAQs

How long do overnight oats last?

If stored in an airtight container, the oats will last up to 5 days in the fridge. I do not recommend freezing them.

Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?

Of course! Your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk may be used.

Can the chia seeds be omitted?

If you’ve run out of chia seeds, you may omit them and reduce the total amount of milk to 2 cups.

However, I highly recommend adding the chia seeds if at all possible! They bloom in the milk and help to create a thick, creamy consistency that overnight oats are known for.

Serving suggestions

Aside from eating them completely as-is, these chai overnight oats can be enjoyed a number of different ways.

Serve with an additional sprinkle of chai spice for extra flavor! You can also change things up with ground cinnamon or my homemade pumpkin pie spice.
Top with sliced banana, berries or your favorite dried fruit. The oats are also wonderful with crunchy toppings such as coconut flakes, pepitas or your favorite chopped nuts.
Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder and top with mini dark chocolate chips!
Make this breakfast even more satisfying by stirring in your favorite nut butter.

Recipe notes

Pro tip: Do not substitute the rolled oats with quick oats as they will become mushy. If you’d like to sub with steel cut oats, see my post on overnight steel cut oats.
I highly recommend chia seeds as they help thicken the oats and they provide a boost of fiber and nutrition. If you don’t have any on hand, decrease the amount of milk to 2 cups.
The oats will be quite thick once they’ve absorbed the liquid. Add 1/4-1/2 cup more liquid to loosen them up before serving as desired.
Store chai spiced overnight oats in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Chai Overnight Oats in a jar with cinnamon stick and star anise.

More overnight oat flavors you’ll love

Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram