Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish that combines the rich taste of roasted chicken with a tangy, creamy tomato butter sauce. This simple yet luxurious recipe takes roasted chicken to new heights, offering a beautifully golden, crispy skin, and tender, succulent meat. The addition of the tomato butter sauce adds depth, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken with a savory, slightly tangy, and buttery finish.

Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special Sunday roast, or a festive meal, Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is a dish that will impress family and friends alike. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal, with the sauce bringing a rich and indulgent quality that perfectly complements the roast chicken. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it accessible for beginner cooks, but the resulting dish will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fine dining restaurant.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to create a juicy and flavorful Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken, provide helpful tips to make sure it turns out perfectly, and offer variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe will help you prepare a mouthwatering chicken that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The slow roasting technique ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender while developing a crispy, flavorful skin. The butter and tomato sauce help keep the meat juicy and enhance its natural flavors.
• Rich Tomato-Butter Sauce: The creamy, slightly tangy tomato butter sauce adds a depth of flavor to the dish, coating the chicken in a savory glaze that’s irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of richness and tang.
• Simple Ingredients, Elegant Flavor: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, including chicken, tomatoes, butter, and a few simple herbs and spices. Despite its simplicity, the result is a dish that feels sophisticated and comforting.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special holiday feast, Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is versatile enough to suit any meal. It’s a great option for gatherings or family meals, offering a flavorful, hearty main dish.
• Easy to Prepare: While this dish might sound like it requires a lot of effort, it actually comes together easily, and most of the work is hands-off while the chicken roasts in the oven. This makes it an ideal dish for busy cooks who still want to serve something special.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3.5-4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

For the Tomato-Butter Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your whole chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting.

Next, rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure to cover it evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, making sure to rub the seasoning under the skin and inside the cavity of the chicken for maximum flavor.

Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the top. The combination of the fresh herbs and lemon juice will add an aromatic touch to the chicken.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help create a crispy, golden skin on the chicken while ensuring that the meat stays juicy and tender.

3. Roast the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. The rack will allow air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crisping of the skin.

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be golden and crispy, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

Halfway through the roasting, you can baste the chicken with its own juices for extra flavor and moisture. Be sure not to open the oven door too often, as this can affect the cooking time.

4. Prepare the Tomato-Butter Sauce

While the chicken is roasting, prepare the tomato butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Add the canned diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes) and tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir to combine, then add the dried oregano and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.

Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.

5. Finish the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the meat remains moist and tender.

While the chicken is resting, give the tomato butter sauce a quick stir to make sure it’s smooth and well-combined.

6. Serve the Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

Carve the chicken into pieces, and arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato butter sauce generously over the top of the chicken, ensuring that each piece gets a good coating of the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a fresh and aromatic finish.

Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Perfect Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

• Pat the Chicken Dry: For crispy skin, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any excess moisture can prevent the skin from crisping up properly.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After roasting, let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add a fragrant and vibrant flavor to the chicken. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will still work, but fresh herbs provide the best aroma.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: If you’re pressed for time, you can make the tomato butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
• Check the Chicken’s Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato butter sauce. For a more herbal flavor, you can experiment with adding fresh basil or oregano to the sauce.

Variations of Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

• Garlic-Parmesan Tomato-Butter Chicken: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the tomato butter sauce for a rich, cheesy variation. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, adding extra depth of flavor.
• Smoky Tomato-Butter Chicken: For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika to the tomato butter sauce or use a smoked tomato paste. This will give the sauce a rich, smoky depth that complements the roast chicken.
• Lemon-Herb Tomato-Butter Chicken: Add a little lemon zest to the tomato butter sauce for a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also be mixed into the sauce for added freshness.
• Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken with Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic to the tomato butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor than raw garlic, making it the perfect complement to the rich sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze the leftover chicken and sauce for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement the rich, savory chicken and tomato butter sauce:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes make an excellent side dish that adds a caramelized, earthy flavor to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with roast chicken and provide a neutral base to soak up the flavorful tomato butter sauce.
• Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds make a crisp, fresh side that adds texture and contrast to the rich chicken.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice. The mild flavor of the cauliflower rice allows the tomato butter sauce to shine.
• Fresh Salad: A light, citrusy salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the chicken.

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Conclusion

Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken is a comforting yet sophisticated dish that combines the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the rich, creamy tomato butter sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a delicious and elegant chicken dinner that’s sure to impress. The tips and variations provided will help you customize the recipe to your taste, ensuring that your Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken turns out perfect every time. Enjoy this flavorful dish and share it with loved ones for a memorable meal.