Spicy Harissa Chicken Pizza: A Bold Twist on a Classic Favorite

There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked pizza — the crisp crust, the gooey cheese, the aromatic herbs. But when you’re craving something with a little more punch, this Spicy Harissa Chicken Pizza brings the heat, the flavor, and the flair. Perfect for weekend gatherings, cozy nights in, or even an adventurous pizza night, this recipe transforms a beloved staple into a fiery fusion feast.

Inspired by the bold and aromatic flavors of North African cuisine, this pizza is topped with juicy harissa-marinated chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty yogurt drizzle. It’s a beautiful balance of spice, tang, and umami, and once you taste it, plain pepperoni will feel like yesterday’s news.

This recipe was born out of a love for both Mediterranean street food and wood-fired Italian pizza. One night after grilling harissa chicken skewers, I had leftovers and some fresh pizza dough — the result was unexpectedly phenomenal. That first spicy, cheesy bite sparked a tradition, and now it’s a regular star at our homemade pizza nights.

What Is Harissa?

Before diving into the recipe, it’s worth exploring the key flavor driver: harissa. Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. It’s deeply flavorful — spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet — and lends itself beautifully to marinades, spreads, and sauces.

You can find harissa paste in most grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets. For those who like a bit more control over their heat level, homemade harissa is easy to make and can be tailored to your spice preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe yields one 12-inch pizza, perfect for 2–3 people. You can easily double it for a larger crowd.

For the Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (110°F)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Harissa Chicken:

• 1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

• 2 tbsp harissa paste

• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (for tenderizing)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Pizza Toppings:

• ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

• 1 tbsp crumbled feta (optional, for a salty tang)

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

For the Yogurt Drizzle:

• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of salt

• Water to thin as needed

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch)

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Pro Tip: For best flavor and chew, make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.

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2. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the harissa paste, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken strips, tossing to coat evenly.

3. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

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3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil.

2. Sauté the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes, until fully cooked and slightly charred at the edges.

3. Set aside to cool slightly.

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4. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest temperature it allows. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while preheating.

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5. Shape the Dough

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out your risen dough.

2. Gently stretch or roll it into a 12-inch circle, about ¼-inch thick.

3. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.

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6. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.

2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.

3. Add the cooked harissa chicken, red onion slices, roasted red peppers, and feta (if using).

4. Optionally, brush the crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish.

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7. Bake

1. Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

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8. Make the Yogurt Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.

2. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture is thin enough to drizzle.

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9. Garnish and Serve

1. Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for 2 minutes.

2. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top.

3. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

Slice and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, complex flavors thanks to the harissa marinade

• Crispy-chewy crust with a golden edge

• Creamy cooling contrast from the yogurt drizzle

• Quick enough for a weeknight meal if using pre-made dough

• Totally customizable — spice level, toppings, cheese, and more

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Variations and Customizations

Make it Vegetarian

Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or thin slices of roasted eggplant marinated in harissa.

Turn Up the Heat

Add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced jalapeños on top before baking.

Cheese Swap

Try shredded halloumi or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added meltiness.

No Yogurt? No Problem

Drizzle with tahini lemon sauce or serve with garlic aioli on the side.

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Serving Suggestions

This spicy harissa chicken pizza pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with cucumber and lemon vinaigrette

• Mint iced tea or a citrusy IPA to balance the heat

• A side of hummus and warm pita wedges for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Marinate chicken the day before for quicker prep.

• Pre-shape dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Yogurt drizzle can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Storing and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crust’s texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is harissa very spicy?

It can be! The heat level varies by brand. Start with a milder paste and adjust to taste. You can always mix it with a bit of yogurt to mellow the spice.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Many grocery stores carry fresh or frozen pizza dough. Just let it come to room temperature before stretching.

What’s the best cheese for this pizza?

Mozzarella works great, but feel free to mix in fontina, provolone, or even a little gouda for depth.

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Final Thoughts

This Spicy Harissa Chicken Pizza is more than just another homemade pie — it’s a celebration of bold, global flavors brought together in a crowd-pleasing, cheesy format. Whether you’re spicing up your usual pizza night or looking to impress guests with something new and exciting, this recipe delivers.

So roll up your sleeves, fire up the oven, and let the aromas of sizzling harissa and bubbling cheese fill your kitchen. One bite, and you might never go back to classic pizza again.

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