Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are provided that comprise a CD123-specific antigen recognition domain and IL7Ra transmembrane and intracellular signaling domains (CD123/IL7Ra CARs). In particular embodiments, provided herein are engineered lymphocytes that express and display CD123/IL7Ra CARs, and methods of targeting CD123-positive leukemic cells and treating leukemias, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), therewith.