Name: Spicy Harissa Chicken Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied; 3 tablespoons harissa paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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I make these Spicy Harissa Chicken Pinwheels when I want something bold, savory, and a little bit impressive without too much work. The harissa brings heat and depth, while the chicken stays juicy and tender, all rolled up into pinwheels that feel perfect for sharing or serving as a main.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and surprisingly versatile. I like how the harissa adds smoky spice without overpowering the dish. I also enjoy that these pinwheels work equally well as a party appetizer or a protein-packed dinner option. Spicy Harissa Chicken Pinwheels

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts, butterflied
harissa paste
olive oil
garlic, minced
lemon juice
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley or cilantro

Directions

I start by laying the butterflied chicken breasts flat and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, I mix the harissa paste with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. I spread this mixture evenly over the chicken.

I roll the chicken tightly into logs and secure them with kitchen twine or toothpicks. I sear the pinwheels in a hot skillet until golden on all sides, then transfer them to the oven to finish cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. I let them rest briefly before slicing into pinwheels and sprinkling with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. I usually spend around 20 minutes preparing everything and about 25 minutes cooking. I like that it comes together in under an hour and feels a little special without much effort.

Variations

I sometimes add a layer of spinach or roasted red peppers before rolling the chicken for extra flavor and color. When I want more heat, I use extra harissa or add chili flakes. I’ve also made these with a yogurt drizzle on top to balance the spice.

storage/reheating

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them gently in the oven or skillet so the chicken stays juicy. Spicy Harissa Chicken Pinwheels

FAQs

How spicy are these chicken pinwheels?

I find them moderately spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by using more or less harissa.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

I often assemble them ahead and cook them just before serving.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

I grill them sometimes, and they turn out delicious with a bit of char.

What can I serve with these pinwheels?

I like serving them with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

I can use boneless thighs, but I flatten them well so they roll evenly.

Conclusion

I keep these Spicy Harissa Chicken Pinwheels in my recipe rotation because they’re flavorful, flexible, and always satisfying. I like how they deliver bold spice and juicy chicken in a dish that feels both fun and comforting every time I make it.