Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola

Who says breakfast can’t be indulgent? This skinny dark chocolate chia granola has an intense chocolate flavor and is perfectly crunchy and sweet.

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

Most mornings, I just have plain ‘ol oatmeal for breakfast, with maybe a little cinnamon and maple syrup—nothin’ fancy. 

But you know what I WANT most mornings? Something that’ll excite my taste buds. Something that is indulgent and heavenly, but not loaded with sugar.

If that’s what you’re looking for too, this skinny dark chocolate chia granola definitely fits the bill. An intense chocolate chocolate flavor AND naturally sweetened breakfast. Boom.

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

This granola is definitely a more favorable to eat oats. Talk about a breakfast to look forward to in the morning.

I have a really hard time with getting my lazy bahonkus outta bed in the morning. Like, no alarm or coffee is going to give me the inspiration necessary. But this granola? If I know I’ve got some in the pantry, I’m out of bed the FIRST time the alarm goes off (as opposed to the SEVENTH time).

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

Not only is this granola heavenly, it’s also healthy and REALLY easy to make. Like it should be a crime how easy it is to make such a delicious breakfast like this. 

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

I like to use old-fashioned oats in this granola, but you could just as easily use quick oats. The old-fashioned oats tend to result in larger clusters of granola. 

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

I really wanted to spotlight the chia seeds in this recipe, but they’re so dang small it’s hard to make them noticeable without adding 1/2 cup of ‘em. However, I’ve found that 2 tablespoons is just the right amount.

Did you know that 1 ounce of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat (5 of which are omega-3s)? Seriously. (source)

Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

I can’t even begin to tell you how much you’re going to love this skinny dark chocolate chia granola. Just take my word for it. 

This granola is the best granola you’ll ever eat in your life. 

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Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola
Yield: 4 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup unsweetened coconut shreds
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, coconut shreds, chia seeds, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine. (You may want to sift the cocoa powder in if your's is clumpy.)
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the coconut oil is melted.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Be sure not to compact it.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes to keep the granola from clumping too much. Take out of the oven and let cool. The cold air will help the granola to crisp up and become crunchy. Once completely cooled, sprinkle on the chocolate chips and give it a stir. Then place the granola in an airtight jar and store for 2-3 weeks (but it probably won't last that long).

Try my Vanilla Almond Granola Cereal next!

Vanilla Almond Granola Cereal | Natural Chow | http://naturalchow.com

 

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Who says breakfast can't be indulgent? This skinny dark chocolate chia granola has an intense chocolate flavor and is perfectly crunchy and sweet.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy granola? Over yogurt? By itself? Let me know in the comments below!

Comments

  1. says

    Yum! I’ve been eating homemade granola for breakfast, either with yogurt or milk, lately. Usually I just put dried fruit and nuts in mine, but I may have to make this chocolate version because it is making me SO hungry!

  2. says

    Ooooooh!! I’ll admit, the photos caught me first because chocolate. But I felt even better when I read the actual recipe. This looks like it would be fantastic just nibbling with your fingers, much less on top of things. YUM!

Trackbacks

  1. […] 6. Skinny Dark Chocolate Chia Granola – If you are a chocoholic then this is the perfect recipe for you. With just a few ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now, you can transform regular oats into a chocolate delight! The rich chocolate taste comes from both cocoa powder and some dark chocolate chips. Plus, this recipe also calls for tiny but mighty chia seeds. Did you know that just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains three grams of fiber, two grams of protein, and four grams of healthy fats?! […]

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