When it comes to breakfast, many of us are looking for something quick, satisfying, and savory. If you're tired of the usual sweet oatmeal with fruits and brown sugar, it’s time to explore savory oatmeal ideas. These alternatives are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s filling, nutritious, and adaptable. Today, we’ll share a simple and customizable savory oatmeal recipe that offers all the protein and flavor you need, without relying on cheese. Instead, we’ll use chicken (or your favorite meat) to create a high-protein meal perfect for busy mornings.
Oatmeal doesn't have to be sweet. In fact, savory oatmeal recipes are becoming more popular as people look for more substantial, protein-packed breakfasts. This recipe is perfect if you love dishes like grits or oatmeal and want a savory alternative to the traditional version. Plus, it’s customizable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a go-to choice for weekday mornings when time is tight.
Why Choose Savory Oatmeal?
When people think of oatmeal, they usually picture it as a sweet breakfast dish, topped with fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey. However, savory oatmeal ideas are just as versatile and can be even more satisfying for those who prefer savory flavors in the morning. By switching to savory ingredients, you can turn your ordinary bowl of oats into a filling, hearty meal that will fuel you through the day.
Compared to grits or oatmeal, this savory oatmeal recipe takes less time to prepare and can be just as creamy and flavorful, especially when you add meats like chicken or ground beef. Plus, oatmeal contains more fiber than grits, making it a healthier option that will keep you full for longer. If you're looking for an easy breakfast that doesn’t require eggs but still provides plenty of protein, this savory oatmeal is an excellent choice.
Ingredients for a Quick and Simple Savory Oatmeal Recipe
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this easy, savory oatmeal recipe:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup cooked, shredded, or diced chicken (or any cooked meat like ground beef or sausage)
- 1 teaspoon butter (or olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning (such as Tony Cachere's®)
Directions
Prepare the Oats: Place the water and oats in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook at 50% power, stirring halfway through cooking, until the oats are softened, typically 3 to 5 minutes. One of the main advantages of using oats over grits or oatmeal is how quickly they cook. The key to perfect savory oatmeal is achieving the right consistency—creamy but not too watery.
Add the Butter: Stir in the butter (or olive oil) once the oats are cooked. This gives the oatmeal a rich, savory flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute butter with olive oil, or flavored oils like garlic-infused oil for an extra kick.
Incorporate the Meat: Stir in your cooked chicken or meat. Whether it’s shredded rotisserie chicken, diced leftover chicken breast, or ground beef, the meat adds a substantial protein boost, making this savory oatmeal recipe more filling and satisfying.
Season with Creole Spice: Stir in the Creole seasoning until everything is evenly mixed. The seasoning adds a delightful kick and depth of flavor. If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can use your favorite spice blend, like garlic powder or seasoned salt.
Add ingredients of your own choice
The beauty of this savory oatmeal recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings to suit your taste. Here are a few savory oatmeal ideas to personalize your dish:
Savory Oatmeal with Cheese: If you love the creaminess of grits or oatmeal with cheese, stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella once the oats are cooked. The cheese will melt into the oatmeal, creating a rich and creamy texture similar to cheesy grits.
Savory Baked Oatmeal: If you have a bit more time, transfer your cooked oatmeal to an oven-safe dish, top it with extra cheese or seasoning, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. This savory baked oatmeal is perfect when you want a more indulgent breakfast.
Vegetable Add-Ons: Add some fresh or cooked vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition. Chopped green onions, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes all work well in savory oatmeal recipes. These additions not only increase the nutritional value but also make the dish more colorful and flavorful.
Mix Up the Meat: If chicken isn’t your thing, try ground beef, sausage, or leftover steak. The key is to use cooked meat to keep prep time minimal. Stir it into your savory oatmeal for a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Tips for Cooking Savory Oatmeal
Here are a few tips to ensure your savory oatmeal recipe turns out perfectly every time:
Cooking Method: When using the microwave, cook at 50% power to avoid overflow. This allows the oats to cook evenly, preventing spillovers.
Texture Control: If you prefer thicker oatmeal, use less water or cook the oats longer to allow more liquid to evaporate. If you want creamier oats, add a splash of milk or even chicken broth for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
This savory oatmeal recipe with chicken or meat is both delicious and nutritious. Each serving contains approximately:
- 230-250 calories (depending on the meat used)
- 9g of fat
- 28g of carbohydrates
- 12g of protein
- 500mg of sodium
This makes it a balanced meal with enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full until lunchtime. The high protein content, particularly from the chicken or meat, makes it an excellent option for anyone looking to increase their protein intake at breakfast.
Why Choose Savory Oatmeal Over Grits?
If you’re a fan of grits or oatmeal, you may wonder which to choose for your morning meal. Grits or oatmeal can both be creamy and flavorful, but the biggest difference is in their preparation time and health benefits. Grits, especially cheese grits, often take longer to prepare unless you’re using instant varieties. They also rely heavily on cheese and butter for flavor, which can add a lot of calories and fat.
On the other hand, savory oatmeal recipes are quicker to prepare and can be just as flavorful, even without relying on dairy. Oatmeal offers more fiber than grits, making it a healthier choice that will keep you full longer. If you want a quick, filling alternative to grits, savory oatmeal is the way to go.
Conclusion
This savory oatmeal recipe with chicken (or your choice of meat) is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need something quick, hearty, and satisfying. It’s fast, customizable, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a fan of grits or oatmeal, this savory dish will offer a warm, comforting breakfast that’s easy to prepare and highly adaptable.
Try this recipe next time you’re craving a savory breakfast and experiment with your favorite meats, vegetables, or seasonings. You might find yourself opting for savory oatmeal more often than you think!