5-Minute Chocolate Chia Pudding (no chilling overnight) • It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken
Rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, this 5-Minute Chocolate Chia Pudding is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth fast. No need to wait overnight! It tastes like dessert but is secretly healthy and packed with good-for-you ingredients like omega-3s, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Whether you enjoy it as an easy breakfast or a late night snack, it’s perfect for crushing those chocolate cravings ASAP.
My original 5-Minute Vanilla Chia Pudding quickly became a reader favorite, so I knew I had to make a chocolate version too. Ohmygoodness… I’m so glad I did. I was actually shocked by how delicious this turned out. Honestly, I’d be happy if this was served to me at a fancy 5-star restaurant! But secretly? It takes only 5 minutes to whip up at home. Win-win.
Unlike most chia pudding recipes, you don’t have to wait hours for the chia seeds to gel. A splash of hot water helps activate the chia seeds almost instantly, so you can satisfy your chocolate cravings in a healthy way. Just stir it up, give it a few minutes to thicken, and boom, rich chocolate flavor and the perfect chia pudding texture.
Enjoy it for breakfast with fruit and nut butter, as an afternoon snack, or for dessert with a swirl of vegan whipped cream (I used So Delicious Coco Whip), chopped dark chocolate, and raspberries, YUM.
Make It Your Way:
This chocolate chia seed pudding recipe is super flexible, so you can make it work for whatever you’re craving:
- Sweeter: Add extra maple syrup or agave, or stir in a chopped Medjool date. If you prefer a sugar-free version, use your favorite calorie-free sweetener added to taste.
- Richer: I usually use soy milk or oat milk for the creaminess, but any plant-based milk will work great. You can even use canned coconut milk or vegan yogurt for a super creamy, dessert-like version.
- Mocha-style: Try substituting the hot water for hot coffee! Or add ¼ teaspoon of espresso powder along with the cocoa for a mocha vibe.
- Protein boost: Swap the cocoa powder for a scoop of your favorite vegan chocolate protein powder.
- Topping love: Try coconut whipped cream, berries, banana slices, coconut flakes, a peanut butter drizzle, chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, cacao nibs, a pinch of sea salt, or even a spoonful of vegan nutella. 😍
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING:
- Mix the chia and water: In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds and hot water. Stir to mix, then let sit for 2 minutes. The mixture will start watery but will quickly thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
- Add the milk and flavorings: Stir in the plant-based milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave, vanilla, and salt (if using). Whisk well to break up any clumps. (It’s okay if the cocoa doesn’t fully dissolve yet). Let it rest for another 2 – 3 minutes.
- Final stir: After resting, stir again to fully incorporate the cocoa powder and break up any remaining clumps. The pudding should now be delicious, thick, and chocolatey.
- Serve: Divide between two bowls, jars, or glasses. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before eating. Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chia Pudding…
- Ready in 5 minutes – no overnight chilling needed
- Super Chocolatey – satisfy chocolate cravings in a healthy way
- Nutritious & filling – high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Meal-prep friendly – make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer
More vegan breakfast recipes:
If you try this Chocolate Chia Pudding recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don’t forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
5-Minute Chocolate Chia Pudding
This 5-Minute Chocolate Chia Pudding is rich, creamy, deeply chocolatey, and it’s ready to enjoy in minutes with no overnight soaking required! A quick and healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings while packing in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and omegas.
Servings:
Instructions
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Mix the chia and water: In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds and hot water. Stir to mix, then let sit for 2 minutes. The mixture will start watery but will quickly thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
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Add the milk and flavorings: Stir in the plant-based milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave, vanilla, and salt (if using). Whisk well to break up any clumps. (It’s okay if the cocoa doesn’t fully dissolve yet). Let it rest for another 2 – 3 minutes.
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Final stir: After resting, stir again to fully incorporate the cocoa powder and break up any remaining clumps. The pudding should now be delicious, thick, and chocolatey.
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Serve: Divide between two bowls, jars, or glasses. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before eating. Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries—perfect with chocolate.
- Vegan whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream or other dairy-free options.
- Chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or cacao nibs: For extra indulgence.
- Banana slices: A classic combo.
- Nut butters: Swirl in peanut or almond butter.
- Chopped nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, or peanuts for crunch.
- Coconut flakes: For a Bounty bar vibe.
- Espresso powder: Stir in ¼ teaspoon with the cocoa for a mocha twist.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: drizzle on some homemade vegan nutella.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving without toppings (recipe makes 2 servings) | Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 3mg
