What Exactly is Chicken Lumpia?

Lumpia are a type of spring roll from the Philippines, deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions but uniquely adapted over centuries to local tastes. While there are countless variations across Southeast Asia, Filipino lumpia stand out with their distinct fillings and characteristic thin, crispy wrappers. Our Chicken Lumpia recipe is a delectable spin on the classic Lumpiang Shanghai, which traditionally uses ground pork.

Unlike many store-bought or even restaurant spring rolls that can sometimes feature an unidentifiable, mushy filling with minimal meat, homemade chicken lumpia allows you to control the quality and quantity of your ingredients. You get generous amounts of finely diced chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and the essential, delightful mung bean vermicelli, all encased in a perfectly crisp wrapper. The result is a burst of flavor and texture in every bite, free from any overly oily sensation.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize. With readily available spring roll wrappers, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful rolls in about half an hour for the filling and rolling. I often make a larger quantity – around 40 rolls – and freeze most of them. But, admittedly, a few always end up being “taste-tested” straight from the fryer, just to ensure they’re perfect, of course!

If you enjoy making spring rolls, you’ll be happy to know there are many delicious filling possibilities. We have other fantastic recipes, including Spring Rolls with Ground Beef and Chicken, delightful Mini Spring Rolls, and even a unique Vegetarian Spring Roll with Cheese and Cauliflower. Dive in and find your favorite!

Why Homemade Chicken Lumpia Outshines Store-Bought

When it comes to spring rolls, the difference between homemade and store-bought is often night and day. Here’s why investing a little time in making your own chicken lumpia is incredibly rewarding:

• Superior Flavor & Texture: Mass-produced spring rolls often prioritize cost-effectiveness, leading to bland fillings and sometimes soggy wrappers. With homemade, you control every ingredient, ensuring a rich, well-seasoned filling and a genuinely crispy wrapper.
• Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients: You choose the freshest chicken and vegetables, free from unnecessary additives or preservatives. This not only tastes better but is also healthier for you and your family.
• Customization is Key: Don’t like a particular vegetable? Want more spice? Homemade allows you to adjust the filling to your exact preferences. You can add more chicken, experiment with different spices, or include your favorite veggies.
• Cost-Effective: Buying pre-made spring rolls can be expensive, especially for a larger quantity. Making them yourself is often much more economical, yielding a large batch for a fraction of the price.
• The Joy of Cooking: There’s immense satisfaction in creating something delicious from scratch. The process of preparing the filling, rolling the lumpia, and then watching them crisp up to golden perfection is a rewarding culinary experience.

Once you try this homemade chicken lumpia recipe, you’ll understand why it’s worth every moment. The fresh, vibrant flavors and the delightful crunch are simply unmatched.

Essential Ingredients for Your Crispy Chicken Lumpia

To prepare these delicious Chicken Lumpia, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The precise quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page, but let’s take a closer look at what makes this filling so special:

• Chicken Breast: We use lean chicken breast for a hearty, protein-rich filling. You can easily cut it into small cubes or opt for chicken breast fillets. For a different texture, ground chicken is also an excellent substitute, which will be discussed further in our tips section.
• Leek: This often-underestimated vegetable adds a wonderful sweet and subtly oniony flavor, along with a tender crunch. Ensure you slice it very thinly so it cooks perfectly within the lumpia.
• Carrot: Providing a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, carrots are a spring roll staple. Wash and peel them, then cut them into very fine julienne strips or grate them. The thinner they are, the quicker they’ll become tender when the lumpia are fried.
• Mung Bean Vermicelli (Glass Noodles): An indispensable component for authentic spring rolls, these semi-transparent, thin noodles are made from mung bean starch. They absorb the flavors of the filling beautifully and contribute a unique, slightly chewy yet delicate texture that’s unmistakable in a well-made lumpia.
• Oyster Sauce: This dark brown, dense Cantonese sauce is the secret weapon for umami flavor in our chicken lumpia. Made from fermented soy sauce and flavored with oyster juice, caramel, and salt, it adds a rich, savory depth that elevates the entire filling.
• Eggs: Essential for binding all the delicious components of the filling together, eggs help ensure your lumpia filling stays cohesive and doesn’t fall out during frying.
• Garlic: A foundational flavor in many Asian cuisines, fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Minced or squeezed garlic will infuse the filling with its irresistible aroma.
• Five-Spice Powder: This classic Chinese spice blend is a cornerstone of Asian cooking. It typically consists of cinnamon, star anise, Szechuan pepper, fennel seeds, and cloves, hitting five key taste groups: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami. It imparts a warm, complex, and fragrant note to the chicken lumpia.
• Spring Roll Wrappers (Lumpia Wrappers): These thin, pliable wrappers, typically made from wheat flour and water, are crucial for that signature crispiness. They are easy to work with, stretch a little, and are less prone to tearing compared to some other types of wrappers, making your rolling process much smoother.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating truly memorable homemade chicken lumpia that will impress everyone!

How to Prepare Crispy Chicken Lumpia: A Detailed Guide

Crafting these delicious chicken vegetable spring rolls is a straightforward process, especially with our step-by-step instructions. For a printable recipe with all the precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card located further down this blog.

Preparing the Delicious Chicken Lumpia Filling

1. Rehydrate Vermicelli: Begin by placing your mung bean vermicelli (glass noodles) in a bowl. Pour hot water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for approximately 5 minutes until they become pliable. Once rehydrated, drain the water thoroughly.
2. Prepare Vermicelli and Vegetables: Transfer the drained vermicelli to an empty mixing bowl. Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the noodles into smaller, more manageable pieces, about 1-2 inches long. This prevents them from being too stringy in the filling. Add the thinly sliced carrots and leek to the bowl with the vermicelli.
3. Create the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate, large mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add the oyster sauce, minced garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, forming a rich, aromatic sauce.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cubed chicken breast (or ground chicken, if using) to the sauce mixture. Stir well, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated evenly. This allows the chicken to marinate slightly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
5. Mix the Entire Filling: Finally, add the prepared vegetable and vermicelli mixture to the chicken and sauce. Mix everything thoroughly. Use your hands if necessary to ensure all components are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Rolling the Perfect Chicken Lumpia: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Properly rolling your lumpia is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture and preventing the filling from escaping. Follow these steps, aided by the visual guide:

1. Position the Wrapper: Lay a single spring roll wrapper flat on a clean work surface, with one of its points facing towards you, forming a diamond shape.
2. Add Filling: Place about two tablespoons of the chicken filling approximately 1 inch (2 cm) from the bottom point of the wrapper. Shape the filling into a neat log.
3. Initial Roll: Take the bottom point of the wrapper and tightly roll it over the filling, tucking it in to create a snug cylinder. Make an extra twist to ensure it’s secure.
4. Fold in Sides: Next, fold the right and left side points of the wrapper tightly towards the center, overlapping the rolled section. This creates a secure envelope for your filling.
5. Seal and Finish Rolling: Lightly brush the top point of the wrapper (the furthest point from you) with a little water. This acts as a seal. Continue rolling the lumpia upwards, away from you, maintaining a tight roll until you reach the watered edge. The water will help seal the lumpia closed.

Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all your lumpia are rolled. Keep the unused wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Frying Your Chicken Lumpia to Golden Perfection

Deep-frying is the traditional method for achieving the crispiest lumpia. Here’s how to do it for this recipe:

1. Preheat Oil: Preheat your deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan with enough oil to submerge the lumpia to 350°F (approximately 180°C).
2. First Fry: Carefully place a few lumpia into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer (fry a maximum of four at a time). Fry for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Rest: Remove the lumpia from the fryer and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps create an extra crispy texture.
4. Second Fry: Return the rested lumpia to the hot oil and fry for another 2 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and perfectly crispy. This double-fry method ensures maximum crispiness and thorough cooking.

Once fried, transfer the lumpia to a clean plate lined with fresh paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Alternate Cooking Methods: Can You Bake Lumpia in the Air Fryer or Oven?

While deep frying delivers that classic, incredibly crispy lumpia, you absolutely can achieve delicious results using an air fryer or a conventional oven. These methods offer a healthier alternative with less oil, making them a great option for everyday enjoyment.

Air Frying Chicken Lumpia

The air fryer is fantastic for giving lumpia a wonderfully crisp exterior with minimal oil. Here’s how:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (approximately 204°C).
• Lightly brush or spray your lumpia with a thin layer of cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil works well). This helps in achieving that golden, crispy finish.
• Place the lumpia in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You might need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry for 8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (after 4 minutes), flip the spring rolls to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• They will be slightly lighter in color than deep-fried versions (as seen in the photo, the top lumpia is air-fried, the bottom is deep-fried), but they taste just as fantastic and are a lighter option!

Baking Chicken Lumpia in the Oven

For those without an air fryer, your oven can also deliver a satisfyingly crispy lumpia:

• Preheat your oven to a higher temperature, around 430°F (approximately 221°C).
• Place the lumpia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Again, a light brushing or spraying of oil will aid in browning.
• Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides get golden and crisp.

Both air frying and oven baking offer excellent ways to enjoy your homemade chicken lumpia with less oil, making them a versatile choice for any preference.

Pro Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Lumpia

Elevate your homemade Chicken Lumpia with these expert tips and exciting variations:

• Boost Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment and add more finely sliced vegetables to your filling. About ½ pound (200 grams) of shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or finely chopped bell peppers would be fantastic additions, adding more texture and nutrients.
• No Spring Roll Wrappers? No Problem!: If you can’t find traditional spring roll wrappers, you can substitute them with two sheets of filo pastry layered on top of each other. Just ensure to brush them lightly with oil or water between layers to help them adhere.
• Prevent Drying: Always keep any unused spring roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel once the package is open. This prevents them from drying out and cracking, making them much easier to roll.
• Roll Tightly for Crispy Results: This is a crucial step! Roll your lumpia as tightly as possible. Loose rolls will absorb more oil during frying, resulting in a greasier and less crispy end product.
• Drain Excess Oil: After deep-frying, always place your cooked lumpia on a wire rack over paper towels, or directly on several layers of kitchen paper. This helps drain any excess oil, ensuring they remain wonderfully crispy.
• Cool Before Freezing: If you plan to freeze a batch, allow the cooked lumpia to cool down completely to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. This prevents ice crystals from forming and helps them stay much crispier when reheated.
• Chicken Substitute: Instead of cutting chicken breast into small cubes, you can easily use ground chicken (minced chicken). This creates a slightly different, more uniform texture in the filling but is equally delicious and sometimes quicker to prepare.
• Flavorful Additions: Enhance the flavor profile by adding other ingredients to your filling. Finely chopped green onions (scallions), water chestnuts for an extra crunch, or a hint of ginger can bring new dimensions to your lumpia.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of finely diced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes can be mixed into the filling.

Serving and Storage Tips for Your Chicken Lumpia

Once your homemade Chicken Lumpia are cooked to golden perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! They are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. To make the most of your batch, proper storage and reheating are key.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken lumpia are incredibly delicious on their own, but they truly shine when accompanied by the right dipping sauce. Some popular choices include:

• Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): Offers a rich, sweet, and savory contrast.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic pairing with a tangy, fruity kick.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a delightful balance of sweetness and mild heat.
• Vinegar-Based Dipping Sauce: A simple mix of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili for a sharp, refreshing flavor.

Serve them as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a main course with rice and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Homemade lumpia are fantastic for meal prepping! Here’s how to store and reheat them effectively:

• Refrigerator: Allow the cooked lumpia to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, place baking paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Lumpia freeze exceptionally well. You can store cooked or uncooked lumpia in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Freezing Tips for Uncooked Lumpia: Lay uncooked lumpia in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze for about 2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Reheating Cooked Lumpia (from frozen or fridge):
  • Deep Fryer: Preheat your deep fryer to 350°F (approx. 177°C). Fry frozen lumpia for about 4 minutes, or refrigerated lumpia for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw beforehand.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (approx. 204°C). Lightly spray frozen or refrigerated lumpia with oil and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (approx. 204°C). Arrange lumpia on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa