Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chai Oatmeal offers the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent. It transforms basic oats into a flavorful, spiced bowl of goodness that’s both filling and satisfying. It’s easy to customize with your favorite milk, sweeteners, and toppings, and it fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma while it simmers. Whether you’re a chai lover or just want to switch up your breakfast, this oatmeal is a must-try.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- Water
- Chai spices: ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: sliced almonds, fresh fruit, chia seeds, shredded coconut
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, water, chai spices, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the oats and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes or until the oats are soft and the mixture is creamy.
- Taste and add maple syrup or honey to sweeten, as desired.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sliced almonds, fruit, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: about 12 minutes
Variations
- Overnight Chai Oats: Combine all ingredients in a jar and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy cold or warm in the morning.
- Creamier Version: Use all milk instead of water for an extra rich texture.
- Masala Chai Base: Steep chai tea bags in the milk before adding oats for deeper flavor.
- Protein Boost: Stir in protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter after cooking.
- Spiced Apple Add-In: Add diced apples while cooking for a sweet, spiced twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until hot.
Stir well and add more sweetener or spices if needed after reheating.
Not ideal for freezing, as oats can become gummy once thawed.
FAQs
What kind of oats work best?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats cook faster but may be mushier; steel-cut oats need more liquid and longer cooking time.
Can I use store-bought chai concentrate?
Yes, but adjust sweetness accordingly since concentrates are often sweetened. Replace part of the milk with the concentrate for flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond, oat, coconut, soy, or any plant-based milk you like.
How can I make it sugar-free?
Skip the sweetener or use a natural sugar-free option like stevia or monk fruit. You can also rely on fruit like bananas or dates for sweetness.
Can I prep this for the week?
Yes, make a large batch and store portions in the fridge. Reheat with milk and enjoy all week.
What toppings go well with chai oatmeal?
Sliced bananas, toasted nuts, coconut flakes, raisins, or a swirl of almond butter are all excellent.
How spicy is this oatmeal?
It’s gently spiced, but you can increase or decrease the spices to your taste.
Can I add tea to this?
Yes, steep a chai tea bag in the milk before adding oats for an extra layer of flavor.
Is this gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
What if I don’t have all the chai spices?
You can use a pre-mixed chai spice blend or just stick to cinnamon and cardamom for a simpler version.
Conclusion
Chai Oatmeal is a warm, spiced twist on a breakfast classic that brings cozy chai flavors into your morning routine. It’s hearty, easy to make, and completely customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re prepping it ahead of time or savoring it fresh off the stove, this bowl of comfort is the perfect way to fuel your day with flavor and warmth.
PrintChai Oatmeal
Chai Oatmeal is a cozy, spiced breakfast that combines creamy oats with the warm, aromatic flavors of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Naturally sweetened and easy to customize, it’s the perfect way to start your morning with comfort and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: sliced almonds, fresh fruit, chia seeds, shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, water, chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are soft and mixture is creamy.
- Taste and sweeten with maple syrup or honey as desired.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as almonds, fruit, or extra cinnamon.
Notes
- Use all milk for a creamier texture, or all water for a lighter version.
- Overnight oats version: combine all ingredients in a jar and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy chilled or heated.
- Steep a chai tea bag in the milk for deeper flavor before adding oats.
- Stir in nut butter or protein powder after cooking for added protein.
- Add diced apples or raisins during cooking for a fruity twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
