Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein: A Quick and Flavorful Delight
As a super busy mom I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and convenient. Today, I’m excited to share with you an easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein.
This dish is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce, all brought together in the convenience of a pressure cooker. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Chinese restaurant favorite, offering a homemade, healthier version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of noodles? A: Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can use spaghetti noodles, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles for a quick and easy substitute.
Q: Can I make this with other proteins? A: Yes, chicken thighs, beef strips, or even tofu can be used in place of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Definitely. This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein keeps well in an airtight container and can be a great option for next-day lunches.
Tips and Tricks
- Quick Release of the Pressure: To keep the noodles from overcooking, use the quick release function of your Instant Pot after the cook time is up.
- Layering Ingredients: To avoid the ‘Burn’ notice, place liquids at the bottom of the pot and layer the chicken and vegetables on top of the noodles.
- Al Dente Noodles: For perfectly cooked noodles, cook them just until al dente. They will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Variations
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add snow peas, bell peppers, or even bamboo shoots for lots of veggies.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a tbsp of hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Where to Serve
This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a special treat during a cozy movie night at home. It’s a versatile dish that fits well in both casual and semi-formal settings.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to loosen the noodles if needed.
Ingredients
- Sliced Chicken Breast
- Matchstick Carrots
- Red Pepper
- Garlic
- Soy Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Chicken Stock
- Lo Mein Noodles or Ramen Noodles
- Optional: Sesame Seeds, Baby Corn
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Noodles Sticking Together: To prevent this, stir the noodles gently after adding them to the pot and ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Undercooked Vegetables: Cut your vegetables in a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Adding them on top of the noodles helps them steam perfectly.
- Overcooked Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting it into even, bite-sized pieces and not extending the cooking time.
Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids
- Safe Tasks: Let them help with safe tasks like measuring the soy sauce or mixing the sauce in a small bowl.
- Vegetable Prep: Kids can help wash the vegetables or even help with cutting if they’re old enough and supervised.
- Assembling the Dish: Kids love layering the ingredients in the Instant Pot, a great way to get them involved in cooking.
Topping Options
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra zing.
Why This Recipe Works
This Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein recipe is a fantastic one-pot meal that combines simple ingredients with a savory Asian sauce, resulting in a delicious dish that rivals takeout chicken lo mein. The pressure cooking method ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, while the layering technique prevents the dreaded ‘Burn’ notice.
It’s an easy dump-and-go recipe, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Chinese food but want a healthier, homemade option. Plus, it’s a versatile dish, allowing for lots of veggies and protein variations, making it a hit with the whole family.
Here are some more amazing Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot Garlic and Cheese Grits
- Instant Pot Thai Noodles
- Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Wings Recipe
- Amazing Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup
East Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Dive into the flavors of homemade Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein, a quick and easy recipe that brings together juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce in a one-pot meal. This delightful twist on a Chinese restaurant favorite is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthier yet equally tasty alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Sliced Chicken Breast
- 1 Cup Matchstick Carrots
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1Tbs Garlic
- ½ Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 14.25 Ounces Chicken Stock
- 14 Ounce Box Lo Mein Noodles or 2 Pack Ramen Noodles
- Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 1/4 Cup Baby Corn
Instructions
- Pour the chicken stock into the instant pot.
- Add the noodles.
- Place the chicken on top of the noodle.
- Then add the carrots, red pepper & baby corn.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar & garlic.
- Pour the mixture onto the instant pot.
- Seal your Instant Pot and set to manual, high pressure, 8 minutes.
- When Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick pressure release.
- Open.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds & enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 680Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 100mgSodium 3260mgCarbohydrates 75gFiber 6gSugar 22gProtein 52g
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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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