These chocolate orange overnight oats with chia seeds are the perfect start to the day. Rich cocoa with vibrant citrus creates a flavour combination that is both comforting and refreshing, while the chia seeds provide a boost of nutrition and a satisfying texture.
Simple to prepare and bursting with natural, wholesome ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you'll waken up to a creamy, dessert like breakfast that's filling and indulgent.
This chocolate orange oats recipe does not contain any additional sugars, refined or otherwise. I find the orange zest adds enough sweetness, without the need for adding anything more.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Preparation is minimal these oats can be made in just 5 minutes then stored in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy.
- A great grab and go breakfast make the night before, store in a jar with a lid, then grab on your way out the door next morning.
- With a few simple changes these oats are great for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets.
Recipe ingredients
- Oats - I use porridge oats (rolled oats) in this recipe. Use gluten free porridge oats if required.
- Chia seeds - I like to add chia seeds to my overnight oats as they are a great source of protein, which help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
- Chocolate - for a rich chocolate flavour I use cocoa powder, which adds the flavour without the sugar. If you want you can also grate a little dark chocolate over the top before serving - I use 85% dark.
- Orange - I use the finely grated zest of an orange to flavour the oats. I keep the remaining orange and cut it into segments, adding it to the top of the oats when I'm ready to eat.
How to make chocolate orange overnight oats
- Place the porridge oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder and orange zest into a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the milk of your choice and stir well to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two serving glasses or bowls, and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and top with optional orange segments and a grating of dark chocolate.
Recipe variations
- Seeds - I've used chia seeds in this recipe, but you could also use ground flax seeds.
- Milk - I use whole milk in this recipe, but it works just as well with plant based milks.
- Spices - add some ground cinnamon or ginger to the overnight oats for extra flavour.
- Sweetener - if you want some added sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup to the recipe.
Serving suggestions
I serve these oats cold, straight from the fridge, adding some fresh orange segments to the top. You could also add some granola to the top of the oats, try my Chocolate & Hazelnut Granola.
Useful hints and tips
- Don't be tempted to use packets of quick oats here. Quick oats are too broken up and you'll end up with a really mushy consistency.
- Overnight oats store really well in the fridge for a few days so I rarely just make one serving. This recipe is easily doubled up so a great make ahead breakfast.
- For a grab and go breakfast, make the oats in a jar with a lid, then all you need to do is grab from the fridge on your way out.
- For dairy free and vegan diners use a plant based milk.
- Gluten free diners should opt for gluten free porridge oats.
- Allergy advice: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.
FAQs
Yes, overnight oats are a great way to start the day. Containing both oats, which is a complex carbohydrate and chia seeds, these overnight oats are high in fibre, protein, omega 3 fatty acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. These oats will keep you feeling satisfied and fuller for longer.
You can use any variety of milk in this oat recipe, I use whole milk, but you can use any plant based milk too. Yogurt is a great high protein addition to overnight oats, it's thicker so you will just get a slightly different texture. You could also use a combination of milk and yogurt.
Once made, the oats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Additional recipe suggestions
If you like this recipe then try some of my other easy breakfast recipes:
- Chocolate & Hazelnut Granola
- Cinnamon Granola with Apricot & Almond
- Christmas Spiced Granola with Orange & Cranberry
- Baked Nectarines with Hazelnuts & Yogurt
- Healthy Green Smoothie
For all my favourite breakfast and brunch recipes in once place, check out my Ultimate Guide to Brunch.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
- weighing scales
- 2 serving glasses or use jars, bowls
Ingredients
- 100 g porridge oats (rolled oats)
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- zest of 1 orange (finely grated)
- 250 ml whole milk (or milk of choice, semi-skimmed, skimmed, plant based)
- fresh orange segments (to serve, optional garnish)
- 85% dark chocolate (finely grated, optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place the porridge oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder and orange zest into a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the milk of your choice and stir well to combine.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two serving glasses or bowls, and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and top with optional orange segments and a grating of dark chocolate.
Notes
• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •
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