Protein Oatmeal
Updated Dec 09, 2025
Bulk up your oatmeal with protein using whey protein powder and chia seeds with this simple nourishing breakfast that you can make quickly!
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Protein oatmeal is soo good!
Protein oatmeal is one of those breakfasts I make when I need something that actually keeps me full and doesn’t take much thought. Each serving has around 23 grams of protein, but it still tastes like regular oatmeal and is easy to customize. I like stirring the protein powder in at the end so it blends smoothly, and the chia seeds give it a nice texture. Protein oatmeal has turned into my go-to on busy mornings when I want something quick but still substantial.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Protein Oatmeal Ingredients
- Rolled oats: I love the texture of rolled oats in this recipe, but you can also make it with steel cut oats, which will take longer to cook (or quick oats which will give you a softer consistency).
- Almond milk: To keep the recipe vegan, almond milk works really well. But you can also use any kind of milk you like, or cook the oats with water alone.
- Protein powder: I like using a vanilla, vegan-based protein powder to go with the bananas, but any protein powder will work.
- Chia seeds: I love the texture of chia seeds, but you can sub in flax seeds, too.
- Sweetener: This is completely optional, and I skip it often, but when I do want to sweeten up my oats, I use maple syrup or honey.
- Bananas: Bananas are my go-to fruit with this protein-powder oatmeal, but you can also try it with apples or strawberries.
How to Make Protein Oatmeal
Protein Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup+ 2 tablespoons water divided
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 1 banana sliced
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water, milk and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat to low.
- While the liquid is cooking, dissolve the protein powder with 2 tablespoons water until smooth and consistent.
- Add the oats, chia seeds and light brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the dissolved protein powder and sliced bananas, cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes.
- Divide into two bowls. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon, if desired and enjoy warm.
Equipment
Notes
- My Top Tip: Whisk your protein powder with milk and water before adding the oats. The protein powder can clump up sometimes when added with the oats and chia seeds. It helps to whisk it in first with the liquid for a smoother consistency.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat your oats (on the stovetop or in the microwave) with a splash of water or milk to keep them from clumping up. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Whisk your protein powder with milk and water before adding the oats. The protein powder can clump up sometimes when added with the oats and chia seeds. It helps to whisk it in first with the liquid for a smoother consistency.
- Don’t skip the salt. When making the oatmeal, a little salt really does make all the difference. It brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of the oats; without it, it can taste bland.
- If you’re in a hurry, make microwave oatmeal. I like to make my oatmeal on the stovetop when I have extra time, but you can make it in the microwave if you’re in a rush! Just add all the ingredients for the oatmeal into a bowl, don’t cover it, and heat on high for 2 minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy with a warm drink. Whether or not you’re a caffeine person, this oatmeal is a great breakfast alongside my golden turmeric milk, an iced matcha latte, or some homemade cold brew.
FAQs
I like a 1:2 ratio of the oats to liquid. But, because we’re using chia seeds and protein powder (which both absorb a lot of liquid), I like to add a bit more liquid for this specific protein oatmeal recipe.
When you add protein powder to hot liquid, it won’t mix properly and can get clumpy. I recommend mixing the protein with room temperature water first before adding it to the cooked oats.
Comments
Should change the ingredient list to say brown sugar or maple syrup and the protein powder to say plant-based protein powder. Most of us just hit the button that says jump to recipe and we don’t read the whole blog. I almost didn’t do the recipe because it said brown sugar. And my whey protein just curdled.
I’m sorry you had trouble with the recipe but the type of protein you use and the type of sugar you use don’t really matter here. It’s just important to mix the protein powder you use with water before adding it to heat because it will curdle otherwise. That’s mentioned in the instructions and and I recommend it for whey protein or plant-based protein actually. Hope that helps!
This was tasty, filling, and easy to prepare! I’ve been looking for ways to boost my fiber intake and this is a great way to start my day with a good serving of both fiber and protein. This is very good as is but also yummy with some raisins added in 🙂
Yay! I love starting my day with a healthy serving of fiber and protein as well, so this is one of my go-to breakfast recipes. Raisins sound like a sweet and yummy addition—thanks for sharing, Jennifer!!
My husband is so picky with food. But he actually loved the oatmeal this way. He asked me to make more of it. I said tomorrow. It was delicious. Thank you.
Glad it was a hit!
Awesome oatmeal—fluffy, flavorful, filling!!! Plan on making again!! Thank you for this recipe!
SO happy you enjoyed it!
Delicious with plant based protein. 100% awful if using whey protein. Do not assume they are interchangeable. Heated whey will curdle and ruin the oatmeal. The only way to use whey in protein oatmeal is cold overnight oats.
Yes, my favorite protein powder to use is a vegan vanilla option!
My first foray into using protein powder! Turned out quite good. Left out the sugar and only had Quick oats on hand, so was a bit creamier than I would prefer, added blueberries in place of banana but all in all I enjoyed the meal and will use this recipe again. Maybe add nuts next time
Nuts do add a great texture and fats!
Great recipe! I personally do not like protein powder in my oatmeal. I left out the sweetener because there is enough sugar for me in the protein powder & banana. Next time, I will leave out the protein powder and maybe sub in almond butter, and sub the sugar for honey.
I just made this. So yummy and filling. I served a 5 oz portion weighed on food scale and that was plenty with about 6 Pecans. I subbed Coconut sugar for brown sugar. This will be my breakfast the next 4 days. Not sure how leftovers will be but I will make sure to add water as suggested prior to heating.
I’m glad to hear it! Yum!! Hope you continue to enjoy it.
How many macros/ calories are in 1 serving ?
One serving is roughly 453kcal. You can find the rest of the nutrition facts at the bottom of the recipe card.
I made and enjoyed the microwave oatmeal recipe for one post workout! Easy, filling and delish! So Good!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing a yummy and healthy recipe! I must try this banana pecan oatmeal.
You’re so welcome! Hope you do!!
So great, delicious and filling! I have made it for my boyfriend neighbors and friends. Super easy:) I used a vegan plant based protein. Arbonne vanilla has been my favorite so far. I toast the pecans before adding:)
Thank you!
The toasted pecans are sure to make a huge difference! I’m so glad you all enjoyed!!
Loved it!
Yay! Thank you!
Great healthy Recipes , they are all very well explained step by step. I just love them all. I just love all of your Recipes. Thank you for sharing them.
That means so much to me. Thank you, Lindy!
Made the brown sugar, maple syrup oatmeal. Cooked in microwave. Cooked oats were a little watery but taste was fantastic. Will do again but with less milk and water. Thanks for the awesome oatmeal recipes.
Thank you so much for the feedback!! Glad you liked the taste 🙂
How can this help with weight loss ,so many carbs?
It’s really filling and it’s good carbs with lots of fiber. But it may not be the best option for you if you’re trying to stay low-carb.
Love banana, love pecans. This will be my breakfast.
Thanks for the recipe
I tried this oatmeal it’s delicious.. thank you
Thank you so much!! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂