Speedy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe That Kids Love

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds with this instant pot chicken lo mein recipe.

Tender chicken and springy noodles create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Packed with vibrant vegetables and savory sauce, this dish comes together faster than traditional stovetop methods.

The pressure cooker works magic, infusing every bite with incredible depth and richness.

Colorful ingredients mingle seamlessly, creating a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can bring this takeout favorite to your own kitchen.

FAQs

• What equipment do I need to make this lo mein?

You’ll need an Instant Pot, a small mixing bowl for the cornstarch slurry, cutting board, and knife for chopping ingredients.

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with egg noodles, linguine, or rice noodles, but cooking times might slightly vary.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want heat.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free noodles, and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

What Makes Instant Pot Lo Mein a Favorite

• Chopping ingredients beforehand streamlines the cooking process, making this Instant Pot chicken lo mein a quick and efficient meal solution for busy individuals.
• Eliminate multiple dish cleanup by using the Instant Pot, which combines cooking and serving in a single appliance, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit personal tastes, making this recipe versatile for different dietary preferences and family members' likes.
• The straightforward instructions and minimal steps make this recipe perfect for novice cooks, providing a foolproof method to create a delicious Asian-inspired meal with confidence.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Lo Mein

• Chicken: Tender diced meat that serves as the primary protein source for the lo mein.
• Spaghetti: Broken pasta that forms the base of the dish and absorbs the flavorful broth.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and aids in initial cooking process.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to the entire dish.
• Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Adds rich, complex flavor and creates a savory coating for the noodles and chicken.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry that helps thicken the sauce and gives a glossy finish.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic base to the dish.
• Carrots, Red Peppers, Green Onions: Provide color, texture, and fresh vegetable flavor.

• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Simple Steps for Instant Pot Lo Mein

Step 1: Prep the Protein and Produce

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the vegetables including carrots, red peppers, and green onions.

Having everything chopped and ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Vegetable oil
• Diced chicken
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Spaghetti noodles

Spread the noodles evenly and ensure they’re submerged in the liquid for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Noodles

Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes.

The pot will take several minutes to build pressure.

After cooking, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting position.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

After releasing pressure, stir the mixture into the pot to create a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles and chicken.

Step 5: Add Fresh Vegetables

Toss in the carrots and red peppers.

Cover the pot without turning it on, allowing the residual heat to gently soften the vegetables while maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the lo mein.

Serve piping hot and savor the delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Lo Mein

• Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce stress during the Instant Pot process.
• Spread spaghetti noodles evenly and ensure they're fully covered in liquid for uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Use caution when releasing pressure valve and keep hands away from direct steam to prevent potential burns.
• Mix cornstarch with water separately before adding to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that thickens the lo mein perfectly.
• Use residual heat to gently cook vegetables, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant colors without overcooking.

Storing Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein

• Transfer leftover lo mein to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Pack cooled lo mein in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm lo mein in skillet over medium heat, add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Pairings for Chicken Lo Mein

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the chicken lo mein, offering a refreshing contrast that balances the savory sauce.
• Complement with Asian Beer: Sapporo or Tsingtao provide a light, clean flavor that enhances the dish's umami notes and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Lime: A zesty, bubbly drink that refreshes the mouth and adds a bright citrus note to lighten the hearty noodle dish.
• Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: A traditional Asian beverage that provides a subtle, earthy backdrop to the lo mein's complex flavors, helping to digest the meal smoothly.

Flavor Ideas for Instant Pot Lo Mein

• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Replace chicken with firm tofu or extra-firm tofu cubes, ensuring they're pressed and drained before cooking. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to maintain a plant-based profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles instead of regular pasta. Replace soy sauce with tamari sauce and select a gluten-free hoisin sauce to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Lo Mein: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking for heat lovers. Include sliced jalapeños or increase garlic quantity to enhance the spice level and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute spaghetti noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Select leaner protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or shrimp to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining protein levels.

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot chicken lo mein delivers classic Chinese takeout comfort with homemade simplicity. Quick, flavorful noodles packed with tender chicken and crisp vegetables satisfy hungry families in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup carrots, matchsticks
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• sesame seeds (optional)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken and chopping vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and efficient preparation.
2. Add vegetable oil to Instant Pot, then layer chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and spaghetti noodles. Distribute noodles evenly and ensure they are fully submerged in liquid for consistent cooking.
3. Seal Instant Pot lid and program to high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow time for pressure to build. Once cooking completes, carefully perform quick steam release by turning valve to venting position.
4. Create cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in separate bowl. After pressure release, incorporate slurry into pot to enhance sauce consistency and create glossy coating.
5. Introduce sliced carrots and red peppers into the pot. Cover without activating Instant Pot, allowing residual heat to gently soften vegetables while maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Finish dish by incorporating chopped green onions and optional sesame seed garnish. Serve immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by having all ingredients chopped and measured before cooking to ensure smooth execution and minimize stress during the cooking process.
• Customize noodle choices by substituting spaghetti with rice noodles, egg noodles, or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cornstarch slurry – use less for a lighter sauce or more for a thicker, more clingy coating on noodles and chicken.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a tangy or spicy kick to their lo mein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg