30-Minute Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
A quick one-pot Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring tender chicken thighs, crisp vegetables, and broken spaghetti cooked in savory soy-ginger broth. The Instant Pot pressure cooking method delivers restaurant-quality lo mein in under 30 minutes, with perfectly cooked noodles that absorb the umami-rich sauce. Fresh spinach added at the end provides color and nutrition while maintaining its texture. This satisfying meal works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners when you want bold flavors without multiple pans or lengthy prep work.
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon chile garlic saucesriracha1:1spicy
different heat profile
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 4 teaspoons gingerroot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 2 ½ cups Progresso classic chicken broth, from 32-oz carton
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in thirds
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, 1/2-inch slices
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut in 1/4-inch strips
- 2 cups baby spinach, lightly packed
Instructions
- 1
Mix chicken with chile garlic sauce in medium bowl until coated and set aside
- 2
Select saute mode on Instant Pot and heat oil in insert
- 3
Add green onions, ginger and garlic to hot oil and cook 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant then cancel saute mode
- 4
Stir in chicken broth, soy sauce and brown sugar to deglaze bottom of insert
- 5
Add seasoned chicken and broken spaghetti and stir to coat
- 6
Layer mushrooms, carrots and bell pepper on top of spaghetti
- 7
Secure lid with pressure valve set to sealing and select manual high pressure for 9 minutes
- 8
Quick release pressure by setting valve to venting
- 9
Stir in spinach and break up any stuck spaghetti
Tips
Break spaghetti into thirds before adding to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking in the pressure cooker.
Layer vegetables on top of pasta rather than stirring to prevent overcooking during pressure cooking.
Quick release prevents overcooking the vegetables and maintains their texture and color.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in sealed container
Can prep vegetables and season chicken up to 1 day ahead
Serve immediately while hot for best texture
Common Mistakes
Do not overfill Instant Pot beyond max fill line to avoid safety issues
Do not natural release or vegetables will overcook and become mushy
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh lo mein noodles instead of spaghetti?
Yes, reduce cooking time to 7 minutes and add noodles in final 3 minutes to prevent overcooking since fresh noodles cook faster than dried pasta.
What if I do not have chile garlic sauce?
Substitute with 1 teaspoon minced garlic mixed with 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes for similar heat and flavor profile.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with splash of broth as noodles absorb liquid when stored.