Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe is so simple to make it is sure to become one of your favorites. Not only is it delicious it will also save you some bucks on takeout.
Resist the temptation of ordering takeout Chicken Lo Mein. This flavor-packed Instant Pot Lo Mein recipe is so good. It is loaded with so much flavor you will not even miss the fortune cookie.
This quick and easy recipe for instant pot lo mein is also a much healthier option. It is a wonderful one pot meal. I love one pot meals they are so simple to make. They are great for making an easy dinner at the end of a long day.
Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is definitely one of my takeout dishes of choice at Chinese restaurants. Most every Chinese restaurant has Lo Mein options on their menu.
Jump to:
- Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
- What is Chicken Lo Mein?
- What Noodles are Used in Lo Mein?
- What is the Difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
- Chicken Lo Mein Ingredients
- How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
- Other Ideas for Lo Mein Noodles
- Why is Chicken Lo Mein Healthy?
- How Many Calories in Chicken Lo Mein Takeout
- Where to Buy Lo Mein Noodles
- Equipment You Will Need
- Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (Instant Pot)
- How to Reheat Lo Mein Noodles
What is Chicken Lo Mein?
Chicken Lo Mein is a Chinese dish made with chicken and egg noodles. Sometimes other meats and or seafood is added. For example beef, or shrimp. A mixture of all the meats and seafood is usually called Special Lo Mein.
I love the noodles cooked perfectly and coated in the yummy sauce. The vegetables are always done perfectly with just a bit of crunch and texture. This is why almost every time I get Chinese food this is usually my dish of choice.
Today my friends I am going to show you how to make Chicken Lo Mein so good you will not miss takeout. This dish has it all and is more healthy than takeout Chinese Chicken Lo Mein. Loaded with lots of veggies like carrots, onions, and celery make this a healthy lo mein. The chicken comes out juicy sweet and tender as well and it even looks delicious.
If you're a vegetarian then you can just follow the same recipe and omit the chicken. This Lo Mein will still be very tasty. I do that quite often myself when I'm looking for a fast lunch.
Just throw in any veggies that you enjoy with the noodles and the sauce. If you are low on fresh vegetables you can even use a bag of frozen stir fry vegetables.
This Chicken Lo Mein going to end up being one of your favorite recipes. It is so simple to make. The noodles the sauce and the chicken all added at one time to the pot. No need in cooking noodles separately.
What Noodles are Used in Lo Mein?
I used authentic Lo Mein noodles that I found at Whole Foods. Sometimes they are just called Chinese noodles. Do not mistake these for rice noodles. Rice noodles are great but they are just NOT for Lo Mein recipes at all.
If you cannot find authentic Lo Mein style noodles it is ok to use spaghetti noodles in place of them. You will get the same kind of yummy texture and the dish will still be great.
What is the Difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
Have you ever wondered what the differences between Lo Mein and Chow Mein? Even though both are extremely popular and Chinese restaurants the difference comes down to how the noodles are prepared.
Even though both dishes use wheat flour egg noodles, a mix of vegetables and a protein of your choice they are a bit different in the way they are made.
Chow Mein is a stir fried dish in where the noodles are “crispier” in texture. Lo Mein is prepared where noodles are boiled and then coated lightly in the sauce. The texture of Lo Mein noodles is much softer.
Chicken Lo Mein Ingredients
Full List of Ingredients and Measurements in Recipe Card Below
- Chicken Breast
- Lo Mein Noodles
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Olive Oil
- Rice Vinegar
- Sugar or Brown Sugar
- Red Chili Flakes
- Minced Garlic
- Minced Ginger
- Chicken Broth
- Celery
- Carrot
- Red Pepper Sliced
- Scallions
- Water
How to Make Chicken Lo Mein
This Chicken Lo Mein is really as simple as adding everything to the Instant Pot. You don’t even have to grab a pan and cook. This recipe is done in less than 30 minutes.
Step 1 – Make the Lo Mein Sauce
Mix together in a bowl the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, chili flakes, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.
TIP: If you have oyster sauce I recommend adding about a tablespoon of it. It is optional but adds great flavor.
Step 2 – Add Chicken and other Ingredients
The next step is to add the chicken to the Instant Pot. Make sure that the chicken is cut into small enough so it cooks completely through. Add the carrots, celery to the bottom of the pot. Reserve the chopped scallions and red peppers.
Step 3 – Pour in the Lo Mein Sauce
Pour the Lo Mein sauce into the Instant Pot and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables. Break the Lo Mein Noodles in half and place in a criss-cross pattern on top of the chicken and vegetables. DO NOT STIR THE NOODLES.
How to Cook Chicken Lo Mein in Instant Pot
Make sure that you have closed the lid onto the Instant Pot. Turn the valve to the “SEAL” position. Press the “Pressure Cook” button and set the pressure cooker to HIGH Pressure. Everything is pressure cooked for 3 Minutes.
When cooking time is complete do a Quick Release. Once you have opened the lid let the Lo Mein sit for a few minutes for the sauce to thicken a bit.
Stir in the Red Peppers and half the Scallions and let sit for about 3 to 5 Minutes till they soften.
Remove the Chicken Lo Mein from the Instant Pot and garnish with the reserved scallions and serve.
Other Ideas for Lo Mein Noodles
The flexibility of Lo Mein is wonderful. You can use some spaghetti noodles instead of Lo Mein Noodles if that is all that you have available.
Different vegetables can be added. I usually add any veggies that I have laying around in the fridge. If you are in a jam and do not have a bunch of fresh vegetables then frozen vegetables can even be used. If you want to change it up a bit on the flavor you can use a bit of rice wine, a little extra soy sauce hoisin sauce, or Shaoxing wine.
If you are vegan or just prefer a bunch of veggies then making this as a vegetable lo mein is really delicious as well. I use this recipe quite a bit to “clean out” the vegetable in my refrigerator.
Chicken Lo Mein is a great recipe for meal prep. You can modify the ingredients and protein. There is also many alternative healthy noodle types making it compatible with many diets.
Below are a few examples of different proteins and vegetables that can be used in place of or added in this recipe.
- Broccoli Florets
- Snow Peas
- Water Chestnuts
- Cabbage or Bok Choy
- Beef
- Shrimp
- Scallops
Why is Chicken Lo Mein Healthy?
A good size serving of Chicken Lo Mein is under 500 calories. Chicken Lo Mein is packed with vegetables and low in sugar.
Chicken Lo Mein is also high in protein. It is a delicious balanced meal. Much healthier than the takeout alternative.
How Many Calories in Chicken Lo Mein Takeout
A single one cup serving of Chicken Lo Mein TAKEOUT can pack up to 900 calories and up to 50 g of fat! My recipe has about 1/3 the calories of the restaurant version.
Where to Buy Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein noodles are always available at your local supermarket and at pretty much all asian markets.
Other Instant Pot Recipes you may enjoy
Udon Noodle Pork Stir Fry.
Ginger Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Equipment You Will Need
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 6 Qt Pressure Cooker
Simply Asia Lo Mein Noodles
Organic Shoyu Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
Dalstrong Santoku Knife Shogun Series
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Chicken in 1 inch pieces Breast or Tenderloin
- 6 oz Lo Mein Noodles
- 6 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Oyster Sauce (Optional)
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Red Chili Flakes
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp. Minced Ginger
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Rib Celery Sliced
- 2 Scallions Cut in 2 inch pieces
- 1 Carrot cut into matchsticks
- 1 Red Pepper in thin slices Julienned
- 2 Chopped Scallions for Garnish
- 1/2 Cup Water to Adjust Consistency at end
Instructions
- Open Instant Pot and Put in all ingredients except red peppers.
- First put in chicken then all veggies except the red peppers. Pour in sauce mixture. Make sure chicken is cut into small pieces so it cooks completely.
- Break up noodles and place on top. DO NOT STIR THEM.
- Fasten lid on to the Instant Pot close valve on the top of the Instant Pot. Push the PRESSURE COOKER button and set timer for 3 MINUTES.
- When cooking time is complete do a QUICK RELEASE. Remove lid and stir and let sauce thicken for a few minutes.
- Stir in Peppers and Half Chopped Scallions and wait for pepper to soften. About 3 to 5 mins. Then garnish with leftover chopped scallions
- Enjoy.
- Serves 2
Nutrition
How to Reheat Lo Mein Noodles
I figured that I would include my method for reheating Lo Mein. My way of reheating is not your standard microwave leftovers method. I have discovered one of the best ways to reheat Chinese food.
What is that method? The same way we cooked it. The IP does a great job in reheating food. I find that any food that does not have to be crispy when it is reheated then the Instant Pot is the way to go.
Trust me on this one. I have also included a few other ways below on how to reheat Chinese food.
Reheat Lo Mein in the Instant Pot
Nowadays I have one of those stainless steel dishes for the instant pot that I use for the pot in pot method of cooking. Turns out it is also great for reheating food in the pressure cooker. Here is the Pot in Pot set I bought.
If you don’t have one of those you can use any glass or metal dish that is small enough to fit in the Instant Pot. I think anything that is 7 inches or smaller is the size.
Step 1 – Place Lo Mein in the dish you have chosen to use in the Instant Pot.
Step 2 – Place the trivet rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Step 3 – Pour 1 Cup water in the bottom of the Instant Pot
Step 4 – Place dish with food on top of the trivet.
Step 5 – Close the lid on IP and turn valve to SEAL position
Step 6 – Press “STEAM” button on IP and set to 5 minutes
When the Instant Pot beeps after timer is done do a “quick release” of the pressure. Remove the dish and trivet from the Instant Pot and enjoy your hot food.
Reheat Lo Mein on Stovetop in a Wok or Skillet
Step 1: Place wok or skillet on stovetop over medium to high heat
Step 2: Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl around wok to coat
Step 3: Add Lo Mein Noodles and stir fry moving constantly a few minutes until hot
Reheat Lo Mein in the Microwave
Step 1: Place Lo Mein in Microwave safe dish and cover.
Step 2:Make sure to allow for some ventilation and that lid is not too tight.
Step 3: Microwave 3 to 5 minutes to make sure it is thoroughly heated.
Step 4: Remove lid and stir. Microwave 1 minute more serve and enjoy.
Monique
My husband does not eat gluten. Do you think that you could use rice noodles for this?
Matt
You could absolutely use rice noodles. But if you do try to use the stirfry rice noodles. They are a bit thicker and will stand up better in the instant pot.
Thanks
Matty
Lynne
Bit confused. Recipe says to put the noodles in twice. Once on top of chicken and then again on top of everything?
Matt
Sorry for the confusion. I have corrected the error. To clarify Put in all the ingredients Except Peppers. Then break up noodles and put them on top. Peppers get stirred in at the end like mentioned in the recipe.
Jan
This is the only way to cook brown rice perfectly every time.
Matt
Thanks. It is the only way that I do it these days too.
Matty.
Matt Freund
Better than takeout lo mein
Candice
I love lo mein, and never made it in an instant pot before… such a genius idea! The flavors developed so intensely and quickly… it was like we were cooking the chicken broth overnight. Such a delicious recipe, will be making it again!
Anita
This is a super fast and easy meal, so much healthier than takeout. Gotta love preparing this in an instant pot. 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
I do love me some chicken lo mein! Definitely going to be giving this a try in my Instant Pot!
Emma
Fab recipe – it’s amazing what you can do with an instant pot!
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites
One of my favorite dishes made so much easier with the Instant Pot – great recipe!!
Erika
This is a great recipe but if I don’t separate the vegetables from the meat (using the trivet) my vegetables are mush. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?
Matt
Vegetables get stirred in at the end.
Jenny
I made this tonight and it turned out perfectly! It’s also a great meal to prep the night before (make the sauce, chop the veggies, cut the chicken) and then just toss it in the Instant Pot when I get home from work! I will definitely keep this in my Instant Pot Meals rotation!
Matt
Thats great. I am so glad you like it. Your prep idea is a good one too. Try the mongolian chicken or the chicken lettuce wraps you will like them as well.
Elissa Ilario
I thought you aren’t supposed to use quick release with chicken?
Matt
Well, some say that but it is generally not true and this recipe is delicious as you can see from the previous comments.
Lori Werner
I thought it was delicious, was worried because I never made anything with these ingredients and never really ate much Chinese, but I LOVED it and will be making it again . I also added broccoli to it.
Matt
I am glad that it come out great for you. Thanks for the nice comment.
Matty
Kae
Easy and tasty. Love it!
Matt
Glad you love it. Thanks for the comment.
Erika
Chicken lo mein is my go to quick meal. So easy and delicious.
Matt
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the kind compliment.
Matty.
Stephanie
Can you double this recipe in a 6 quart IP? If so, does the time for cooking change? Thank you.
Matt
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see why not. Cooking time would be the same. It will take longer to pressurize
Heather
Super easy and delicious! I’ll buy matchstick carrots next time I make this recipe to make prep faster. I used a pound of leftover smoked pork and it was perfect 😋
Matt
Great to hear that you had a good meal and success. Thanks for commenting.
Matty.
Stephanie R.
Absolutely delicious! I had a package of 8 oz. noodles so a few stuck together but that was on me. The whole family approved and that is HUGE! Will definitely be making this one again. 🙂
CAROL G NYE
I made this for dinner, last night. It was a big hit with my Souther partner! Next time, I will put more veggies in it , snow peas, water chestnuts, etc.
Matt
So Glad you enjoyed it.
Matty.
Carrie
I made this tonight and IT IS DELICIOUS!! I’ve never made lo mein before and this recipe was easy (now that I’ve done it) and very forgiving, since I was missing a couple of the ingredients. Also, I made it with chicken thigh filets since we like dark meat. My husband says it’s better than any he’s had in a restaurant! This will go in our regular rotation. Thank you Matt!
Matt
What a nice comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I think there’s chicken lo mein is better than takeout for sure. Glad you had success. I am also happy to see this recipe in your regular rotation.
Sue
Can I use udon noodles?
Matt
I have not tried Udon in the IP so I would say no.
Tracie
Made this last night, so good! Thanks for another great recipe Matt!
Pat
Turned out really good. I added mushrooms cabbage and broccoli. Only had spagetti and had to cook a total of 9 minutes
Matt
So glad that you enjoyed it. Substitutions of ingredients is what makes cooking fun. Happy New Year.
Karyn
Hi Matt.
Looking at your recipe above for two serves. If I replace the vegetables with frozen stir-fry vegetables – any idea how many? Two cups? Or perhaps how many grams? I gather I would just put them in frozen at the beginning with the chicken? So many questions!
Matt
I generally don’t use frozen vegetables in the IP. But I will take a shot at answering your questions. If I was to use frozen vegetables, I would probably give them a rinse under the water in the sink and then stir them in at the end. I feel like putting them in at the beginning you’re gonna end up with just mush. As far as the amount I would say, you’re safe with 2 cups for two servings. Of course I’m not sure how this is going to turn out because I’ve never tried it. I’m just telling you what I would do.
Susan
I really like this recipe. The sauce is really delicious and the chicken comes out so moist and flavorful. Like someone else, I used chicken thighs. I did not have oyster sauce so I added some hoisin sauce. The one thing that’s hard with instant pot is vegetables and pasta tend to get mushy. I left the pasta till the end and most of the vegetables. But I did add the carrots and they were mush. I think I will cut them bigger next time. I microwaved the peppers and onions for a minute or so and threw them in at the end, That’s my only complaint with the instant pot…great meat but mushy vegetables. This is a keeper recipe either way!
Matt
If the carrots are cut small you just stir them in at the end.