Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein

Introducing Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein: A Delicious Fusion of Flavors Made in Minutes!

Are you craving a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that’s quick, convenient, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! We present to you our Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein recipe—a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Imagine tender chunks of succulent chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a delectable sauce that’s both savory and satisfying. With our Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein, you can enjoy this delightful dish in the comfort of your own home, with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Here’s why our Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein is a game-changer:

1. Time-Saving Wonder: With our recipe, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. The Instant Pot does all the work, cooking your chicken to perfection and infusing every bite with incredible flavor.
2. Customizable Goodness: Whether you prefer your Lo Mein with a little extra kick or enjoy a milder flavor, our recipe allows you to tailor the dish to your liking. Adjust the seasoning, spice level, and even the selection of vegetables to create a personalized masterpiece.
3. Nutritious and Wholesome: We believe that great taste and health can go hand in hand. Our Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein recipe incorporates fresh ingredients and nutritious elements, ensuring you get a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients.
4. Family-Friendly Delight: Lo Mein is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. Bring your family together around the dinner table with this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the convenience of the Instant Pot combined with the tantalizing flavors of Chicken Lo Mein. Impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess without breaking a sweat!

Get our Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein recipe today and unlock a world of deliciousness in just a few simple steps. With Easy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors made in minutes!

This easy chicken lo mein instant pot recipe is a one pot meal and a favorite Chinese dish!

My husband grew up eating at Sam Wo in San Francisco’s Chinatown and loved their lo mein; he would happily do it any day of the week. This easy Instant Pot chicken lo mein recipe comes close,

My family devours it,

It’s a great alternative to take-out with Chicken Lo Mein With slurp-worthy noodles, chunks of tender chicken, bright carrots and snap peas.

This pressure cooker Chinese Chicken Lo Mein will be on the table in about 30 minutes.

For this recipe, I used the Instant Pot Duo 60 7-in-1 Multipot.

A little bit about lo mein

Lo Mein and Chow Mein are both popular Chinese noodle dishes, but they have some notable differences.

While Lo Mein features boiled noodles tossed in a sauce, Chow Mein is characterized by crispy pan-fried noodles. The name “Chow Mein” actually translates to “fried noodles” in Cantonese. The noodles used in Chow Mein are often thinner and crispier, creating a delightful contrast in texture.

Similar to Lo Mein, Chow Mein can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables. The ingredients are stir-fried together, creating a delicious blend of flavors. Chow Mein can also be found on the takeout menus of Chinese restaurants alongside Lo Mein.

The choice between Lo Mein and Chow Mein often comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy softer, saucier noodles, Lo Mein is the way to go. However, if you prefer a satisfying crunch and a slightly different flavor profile, Chow Mein is the perfect choice.

Whether you’re in the mood for the saucy goodness of Lo Mein or the crispy texture of Chow Mein, Chinese cuisine offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. Try both and discover your favorite!

You can substitute noodles (we’ve used Ramen noodles, spaghetti noodles, and lo mein noodles)–cooking time may vary.

Busy Weeknight? No problem! This easy pressure cooker chicken lo mein is tender vegetables, chunks of juicy chicken, and slurp-worthy noodles nestled in a homemade sauce. It’s better than takeout AND it’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s one of my favorite easy instant pot recipes.

What about Chow Mein?

What’s the Difference Between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

Lo Mein and Chow Mein are both popular Chinese noodle dishes, but they have some key differences in preparation and texture.

1. Noodle Texture: The main difference lies in the texture of the noodles used. In Lo Mein, the noodles are boiled until they are soft and then tossed in a sauce, resulting in a soft and tender texture. On the other hand, Chow Mein uses a different cooking method. The noodles are typically parboiled or fried until they become crispy, creating a crunchy and chewy texture.
2. Cooking Method: Lo Mein noodles are cooked separately and then combined with the sauce and other ingredients. The focus is on simmering the noodles in the sauce to absorb the flavors. Chow Mein, on the other hand, involves stir-frying the noodles along with the vegetables, meat, and sauce. The noodles are cooked until crispy, providing a unique texture and flavor.
3. Sauce: In terms of sauce, both dishes can vary. Lo Mein usually features a lighter, savory sauce that coats the noodles and ingredients evenly. Chow Mein may have a slightly thicker sauce that clings to the crispy noodles, giving them a more intense flavor.
4. Regional Differences: It’s important to note that the specific definitions and cooking methods of Lo Mein and Chow Mein can vary regionally and among different Chinese cuisines. In some places, the terms are used interchangeably, while in others, they have distinct meanings.

In summary, the main difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein lies in the texture of the noodles—soft and tender for Lo Mein, and crispy for Chow Mein. The cooking methods and sauce consistency also contribute to the contrasting characteristics of these two delicious Chinese noodle dishes.

 

Instant Pot Lo Mein Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Saute: 5 minutes on medium
Pressure Cook: 5 minutes on High Pressure
Release: Quick Release of the pressure
Total Time: 30-minutes
Serves: 4
Dairy Free

Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, chef’s knife, wooden spoon or silicone spatula, medium bowl.

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces (you can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenders)

1 garlic clove, minced

8 ounces dried linguine, broken in half

1 cup snow peas

1 cup broccoli florets

1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced

1 /2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (try making your own Instant Pot Chicken Stock)

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce

1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (see tip below)

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein:

Prepare the Chicken, Vegetables, and Noodles: 

Select Saute on the instant pot and adjust the heat to medium. Add the sesame oil.

When the oil is hot, add the chicken and garlic and cook until the garlic is light brown and the chicken is opaque for about five minutes.

Fan the noodles across the bottom of the pot (over the top of the chicken). Add the snow peans, broccoli, and carrot on top of the noodles.

Make the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine the broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine, ginger, and brown sugar.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved, pour sauce over the vegetables in the pot.

Pressure Cook.

Lock the lid into place and turn the valve to “sealing”. 

Select Manual and adjust the pressure to High Pressure. Set the time for five minutes.

When the cooking ends, carefully turn the valve to “venting” to quickly release the pressure.

Finish the Dish.

Unlock and remove the lid. 

Stir the noodles, breaking up any clumps, until the liquid is absorbed.

Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container, your chicken lo mein instant pot recipe will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.

Ingredient Tip:

If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute an equal amount of soy sauce.

You can also substitute an equal amount of apple juice for the Shaoxing rice wine.

Additions:

Here are some additional ingredients you can consider adding to personalize your Instant Pot Lo Mein:

1. Red Pepper and Green Bell Pepper: Add vibrant colors and a hint of sweetness with thinly sliced red pepper and green bell pepper.
2. Green Onions: Finely chop green onions and use them as a fresh and flavorful garnish to enhance the overall taste of your dish.
3. Sliced Baby Bok Choy: Baby bok choy adds a lovely crunch and a subtle bitterness to the dish. Slice it thinly and add it to the Instant Pot.
4. Sliced Zucchini: Zucchini can provide a mild and tender addition to your Lo Mein. Slice it into thin rounds or julienne strips for a delicious variation.
5. Julienned Carrots: Add some vibrant orange color and a slight crunch by julienning carrots. They bring a touch of sweetness to the dish.
6. Thinly Sliced Onions: For a savory flavor and additional texture, thinly slice onions and toss them into the Instant Pot.
7. Bean Sprouts: Give your Lo Mein some refreshing and crispy texture by adding bean sprouts. They add a delightful crunch and are a classic ingredient in many Asian dishes.
8. Frozen Peas: Add some sweetness and a pop of green by tossing in a handful of frozen peas. They cook quickly and retain their vibrant color.
9. Bamboo Shoots: Add an earthy and slightly crunchy element with sliced bamboo shoots. They bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
10. Water Chestnuts: For a delightful crunch, consider adding sliced water chestnuts. They have a mild flavor and add an interesting texture to your Lo Mein.
11. Carrot Matchsticks: Create visually appealing thin strips of carrots using a julienne peeler or knife. These carrot matchsticks add color and a pleasing crunch.

Feel free to mix and match these additions based on your preferences and the flavors you enjoy. Personalizing your Instant Pot Lo Mein with these ingredients will give you a unique and delicious dish every time you make it!

When you’re finished, why not give your Instant Pot a deep clean with this guide.

FAQS for Instant Pot Lo Mein:

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken? A1: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can easily substitute it with chicken thighs or chicken tenders for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? A2: Yes, you can modify this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add your favorite vegetables or tofu to enhance the flavors.

Q3: Can I use other types of noodles? A3: Yes, you can experiment with different types of noodles if you prefer. While the recipe suggests using linguine, you can try ramen noodles, spaghetti noodles, or lo mein noodles. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of noodles used.

Q4: Can I adjust the sauce to my taste preferences? A4: Absolutely! The sauce can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a stronger soy sauce flavor, add a bit more soy sauce. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness, increase the amount of brown sugar. Feel free to customize the sauce to your liking.

Q5: How can I make the dish less spicy? A5: This recipe doesn’t include any spicy ingredients, but if you want to make it less spicy, simply omit the grated fresh ginger. Ginger can add a subtle kick, so leaving it out will result in a milder flavor profile.

Q6: Can I double the recipe to serve more people? A6: Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger group. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the noodles and vegetables are cooked properly. Be mindful of the Instant Pot’s capacity and guidelines for doubling recipes.

Q7: How should I store any leftovers? A7: If you have any leftovers, allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers and consume them within 2-3 days. You can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Remember, feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your Instant Pot Lo Mein!

Alternative Names for this Recipe:

1. Asian Fusion Instant Pot Chicken Noodles
2. Quick and Tasty Instant Pot Lo Mein
3. One-Pot Chicken Chow Mein Delight
4. Instant Pot Asian Chicken Stir-Fry
5. Speedy Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
6. Effortless Chicken Lo Mein in the Instant Pot
7. Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Noodles
8. Asian-Inspired Instant Pot Chicken Pasta
9. Instant Pot Lo Mein with Savory Chicken
10. Easy Peasy Instant Pot Chicken Chow Mein