Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish where juicy roast chicken meets a rich, buttery tomato sauce. The sauce coats the chicken with a deep, slightly tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients
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1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), patted dry
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
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1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon sugar
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4–6
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). -
Prepare the butter mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. -
Season the chicken:
Gently loosen the skin of the chicken over the breasts and thighs. Spread half of the butter mixture under the skin, then rub the rest all over the outside. -
Prepare the tomato base:
In a roasting pan or ovenproof dish, combine olive oil, cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Place the chicken on top, breast side up. -
Roast the chicken:
Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken halfway through with the pan juices for extra flavor. -
Rest and serve:
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Spoon the buttery tomato sauce over each serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips
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For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream or white wine to the sauce before serving.
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Toss cooked pasta or rice in the pan juices for an easy side dish.
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If using chicken pieces instead of a whole bird, reduce cooking time to about 45 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fat: 27g
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Fiber: 1g
Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is tender, golden, and bursting with flavor — a perfect harmony of buttery richness and tangy tomato warmth that makes any dinner feel special.
