Authentic Lemper Ayam from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Glutinous rice wrapped around spiced shredded chicken, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g glutinous rice
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 2 pandan leaves
  • Filling: 300g chicken breast
  • 5 shallots
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 cm galangal
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • Salt to taste
  • Banana leaves
  • Toothpicks

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Soak glutinous rice for 4 hours, drain
  2. Steam rice with coconut milk and pandan leaves until cooked
  3. Cook chicken with spices, shred when cool
  4. Cut banana leaves into rectangles
  5. Flatten rice, add chicken filling, roll and wrap
  6. Secure with toothpicks
  7. Steam for 15 minutes to set

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling?

Glutinous rice wrapped around spiced shredded chicken, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Where does Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling come from?

Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

What makes Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling different from other Indonesian meat dishes?

The key distinction lies in the spice blend and cooking method. Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling uses a rich ground spice paste that sets it apart. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Is Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling difficult to make?

Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

Can I use light coconut milk for Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling?

While light coconut milk can be used, the traditional recipe calls for thick coconut milk (santan kental) for authentic richness and flavor.

How do I store leftover Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling?

Store leftover Lemper Ayam: Sticky Rice with Chicken Filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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