Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein is the kind of dinner that makes a busy night much easier. Tender pieces of chicken, noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a savory soy-hoisin sauce all come together in one pot. Instead of ordering takeout, you can have a warm, filling noodle dinner on the table with very little hands-on work. The Instant Pot also keeps the cooking process simple, making this a useful recipe to keep around when you want something quick but still homemade.
Why This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Works
The best part of this recipe is the balance between convenience and flavor. The chicken cooks with the noodles and sauce, while the vegetables are added afterward so they retain some bite instead of becoming overly soft. A simple combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and chicken broth gives the noodles a rich savory flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1 pound, cut into small pieces |
| Vegetable or sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 1/2 cups |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Spaghetti or thin noodles | 1 pound, broken in half |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Carrots | 1 cup, cut into thin matchsticks |
| Red bell pepper | 1, thinly sliced |
| Green onions | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Sesame seeds | 1-2 teaspoons, optional |
Also Read: Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
1. Add the main ingredients
Pour the oil into the Instant Pot and add the diced chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Add the broken noodles last and gently press them down so that as much of the pasta as possible is covered by the liquid. This helps the noodles cook evenly and reduces the chance of dry spots.
2. Pressure cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle ends, carefully perform a quick pressure release according to your Instant Pot’s instructions.
3. Thicken the sauce
While the noodles are cooking, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. After releasing the pressure, pour the mixture into the pot and gently stir. Separate any noodles that have stuck together as you mix.
4. Add the vegetables
Stir in the carrots and sliced bell pepper. Put the lid back on the pot without starting another pressure-cooking cycle and let everything sit for about 8 to 10 minutes. The remaining heat will soften the vegetables while keeping them more crisp than they would be after pressure cooking.
5. Finish and serve
Remove the lid and stir in the green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if using. Taste before serving and add a little more soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of sriracha if you want a stronger or spicier flavor.
Also Read: Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring
What You Can Do Better
For better texture, avoid overcooking the vegetables. Adding them after pressure cooking gives the carrots and peppers a fresher bite. Use low-sodium soy sauce if possible because the broth and sauces already contribute quite a bit of salt. If you prefer a deeper toasted flavor, use a little sesame oil instead of all vegetable oil. You can also add freshly grated ginger, sliced mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, or shredded cabbage depending on what you have in the refrigerator.
Another useful trick is to separate the noodles gently with a fork immediately after opening the pot. Pasta can stick together while it rests, but a quick stir usually brings everything back together. For the best result, use spaghetti or another sturdy thin noodle rather than very delicate noodles that can become too soft under pressure.
Can You Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely. Chicken lo mein is an easy recipe to adapt. Bell peppers and carrots add color and crunch, but you can replace or supplement them with broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, snow peas, snap peas, spinach, or bean sprouts. If using very delicate vegetables such as spinach, stir them in at the very end so they only need a minute or two to wilt.
Can You Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute for chicken breast and tend to stay particularly juicy. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook consistently with the rest of the dish.
Also Read: Cabbage Vegetable Soup
What Noodles Work Best?
You do not have to use traditional fresh lo mein noodles for this Instant Pot version. Regular spaghetti, linguine, or another sturdy thin pasta works well and is often easier to keep in the pantry. Break the noodles in half before adding them so they fit inside the pot and can be covered with the cooking liquid.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover lo mein to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the noodles, then warm them gently in the microwave or in a skillet. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce as they sit, so the extra liquid helps restore their texture.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Pressure Cooking Time | 4 minutes |
| Resting Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | About 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Course | Main Course |
| Cooking Method | Instant Pot |
Also Read: Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate per serving and can vary depending on the noodles, sauces, chicken, and vegetables used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein spicy?
Yes. Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a small amount of chili oil when serving. Start with a little and increase it to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe with frozen vegetables?
Yes. A frozen Asian-style vegetable mix can save even more preparation time. Add the vegetables after pressure cooking and allow them to heat through before serving.
Can I make this without chicken?
Yes. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the chicken for a vegetarian version. Cubed tofu can also be stirred in after pressure cooking.
Why are my noodles sticking together?
Some sticking is normal with pressure-cooked pasta. Separate the noodles with a fork while stirring in the cornstarch mixture. A small splash of warm water can also help loosen them.
