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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken and chopping vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and efficient preparation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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