Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

There’s something magical about making a flavorful, satisfying meal in minutes, all in one pot. This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein is a weeknight dream, combining tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce with the convenience of the Instant Pot. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, it’s the kind of dish that gives you maximum flavor without the fuss. And while traditional lo mein might take some time to make on the stove, using an Instant Pot speeds things up in the best way possible. This is my go-to for a busy night when I still want something homemade and delicious.

I remember the first time I tried making lo mein at home. I was convinced it required special noodles and tricky techniques, but after a few tweaks and trying it in the Instant Pot, I realized it’s actually quite simple. And the best part? You don’t even need fancy lo mein noodles. Good old spaghetti works wonders here!

Let’s dive into what makes this dish special, why I love using the Instant Pot, and how you can easily adapt it to fit whatever you have in your kitchen.

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

What makes this Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein so special?

One word: simplicity. Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and quicker cleanup. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, so you can set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that tastes like you spent much longer on it than you actually did. The flavors are rich and savory, with hints of garlic, soy, and hoisin giving it that signature lo mein taste.

A little background on lo mein

Lo mein is a classic Chinese dish that’s all about noodles tossed with vegetables and protein in a savory sauce. The dish originated in China but has become incredibly popular worldwide, especially in Chinese-American cuisine. Traditional lo mein uses soft, boiled wheat noodles that are added to a wok with veggies and sauce. This Instant Pot version simplifies the process by cooking everything together, which lets the noodles soak up all the flavors. It’s a fun twist on a classic takeout favorite!

The ingredients that bring this dish to life

Each ingredient in this lo mein recipe has a purpose, adding to the flavor and texture of the final dish.

  • Chicken: I use diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but boneless thighs work beautifully too. The chicken adds protein and becomes incredibly tender in the Instant Pot. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could swap in tofu or mushrooms.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory aroma that’s essential in lo mein. I recommend using fresh garlic if possible, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • Chicken broth: This acts as the cooking liquid and enhances the overall flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
  • Soy sauce and hoisin sauce: These two sauces are the backbone of lo mein flavor. Soy sauce brings the salty, umami goodness, while hoisin sauce adds a hint of sweetness and depth. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Spaghetti noodles: Yes, spaghetti! I know it’s not traditional, but spaghetti noodles are a fantastic substitute for lo mein noodles in the Instant Pot. They cook perfectly and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth and sauces.
  • Cornstarch and water: This slurry helps to thicken the sauce just a bit, making it cling to the noodles and chicken.
  • Veggies (carrots, red pepper, green onions): Fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrition. You can easily swap in any veggies you have on hand, like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini.
  • Sesame seeds and sriracha (optional): These are finishing touches for garnish and a bit of extra flavor if you like some heat.
Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Essential kitchen gear: Here’s what you need

  • Instant Pot: The star of the show here. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot, which fits this recipe perfectly. If you’re using an 8-quart, you may want to add a bit more broth.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For getting your sauces and liquid ratios just right.
  • Tongs or a pasta fork: These help to separate the noodles once they’re cooked and stirred.
  • Small bowl: For mixing the cornstarch slurry—nothing fancy needed here.

Step-by-step: Making chicken lo mein in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Get your ingredients ready

Start by chopping your veggies and dicing the chicken. This makes it easier to add everything quickly and keeps you organized.

Step 2: Add the main ingredients to the pot

Pour the vegetable oil into the Instant Pot and add the diced chicken, garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and broken spaghetti noodles. Make sure to spread the noodles as evenly as possible and submerge them in the liquid as much as you can. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that flavorful broth.

Step 3: Pressure cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. It might take a few minutes to come to pressure, but once it’s there, it’s a quick cook. When the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be careful of the steam!

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

While the noodles are cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Once you’ve released the pressure, stir the slurry into the pot. This step helps thicken the sauce so it coats the noodles and chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add the veggies and let it rest

Toss in your carrots and red peppers, then put the lid back on without turning on the Instant Pot. The residual heat will soften the veggies just enough, keeping them crisp and colorful. Let the lo mein “rest” for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Once everything is mixed and the veggies are tender, add in the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like. Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

Variations: Make it your own!

  • Vegetarian lo mein: Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra veggies. Mushrooms, snap peas, and broccoli work great here.
  • Spicy version: Add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce mix, or drizzle it on top before serving.
  • Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the salt content.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute rice noodles (though the cook time may vary) and use tamari in place of soy sauce.
  • Seasonal veggies: Use whatever veggies are in season. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach at the end would work well.

Serving and presentation ideas

I like to serve this lo mein in wide bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. It’s a lovely way to showcase the colorful veggies and glossy noodles. For added freshness, you could also garnish with extra green onions. Serve it alongside a light salad or steamed dumplings to complete the meal.

Drink pairings

For something refreshing, a cold iced tea or a light white wine, like a Riesling, complements the savory flavors nicely. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a classic gin and tonic is crisp and cuts through the richness of the lo mein. And, of course, a cold beer like a pilsner would pair perfectly!

Storage and reheating tips

This lo mein keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out. You can microwave it in 30-second intervals or heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is pretty flexible. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can double the ingredients, but keep in mind that an Instant Pot can only hold so much. For smaller portions, simply halve the ingredients, but keep the cooking time the same.

Troubleshooting tips

  • Sticky noodles: If the noodles clump together, just give them a good stir with tongs to separate them.
  • Too thick: If your lo mein seems too thick after adding the cornstarch, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
  • Burn warning: If you get a burn warning on your Instant Pot, it might be because the noodles weren’t fully submerged. Just add a bit more broth, and give it a stir.

Ready to give it a try?

This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein is a fantastic option when you’re craving takeout flavors but want the satisfaction of a homemade meal. It’s quick, easy, and totally adaptable to your tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies or add a spicy kick. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home like it has in mine!

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure.

2. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can substitute hoisin with a mix of soy sauce and a teaspoon of brown sugar for a similar sweetness.

3. Can I make this recipe with rice noodles?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that rice noodles cook faster, so you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly.

4. How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?
Make sure they’re as submerged as possible in the broth, and give everything a good stir after cooking.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Lo mein can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles might change a bit. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make savory, easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein in minutes! Perfect for busy nights, packed with flavor and fresh veggies.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil *or sesame oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced *boneless chicken thighs work too
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup carrots, matchsticks
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Get your ingredients ready

Start by chopping your veggies and dicing the chicken. This makes it easier to add everything quickly and keeps you organized.

Step 2: Add the main ingredients to the pot

Pour the vegetable oil into the Instant Pot and add the diced chicken, garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and broken spaghetti noodles. Make sure to spread the noodles as evenly as possible and submerge them in the liquid as much as you can. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that flavorful broth.

Step 3: Pressure cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. It might take a few minutes to come to pressure, but once it’s there, it’s a quick cook. When the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be careful of the steam!

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

While the noodles are cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Once you’ve released the pressure, stir the slurry into the pot. This step helps thicken the sauce so it coats the noodles and chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add the veggies and let it rest

Toss in your carrots and red peppers, then put the lid back on without turning on the Instant Pot. The residual heat will soften the veggies just enough, keeping them crisp and colorful. Let the lo mein “rest” for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Once everything is mixed and the veggies are tender, add in the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like. Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Serving and presentation ideas

I like to serve this lo mein in wide bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. It’s a lovely way to showcase the colorful veggies and glossy noodles. For added freshness, you could also garnish with extra green onions. Serve it alongside a light salad or steamed dumplings to complete the meal.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star