Introduction:
Garlic-Prego Roasted Chicken is a savory and aromatic dish that blends the rich flavors of garlic with the tangy, slightly sweet taste of Prego tomato sauce. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously unique twist on traditional roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup Prego tomato sauce (or any marinara sauce of your choice)
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, halved (optional, for roasting inside the chicken)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
1 cup chicken broth or water (for roasting)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets from the chicken if they are inside. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during roasting. Season the inside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and insert the halved lemon and rosemary sprigs (optional).
Make Garlic-Prego Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Prego tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Coat the Chicken: Rub the garlic-Prego sauce mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. You can use your hands or a brush to apply the sauce generously over the skin and inside the cavity.
Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist while roasting. Roast the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. Baste the chicken with its juices once or twice during the roasting process to enhance flavor and moisture.
Rest and Garnish: Once roasted, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Enjoy!
Description:
Garlic-Prego Roasted Chicken is a flavorful dish that takes the classic roasted chicken to new heights with a deliciously garlicky, tomato-based sauce. The garlic-infused sauce melds perfectly with the chicken as it roasts, creating a crispy, flavorful skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The addition of Italian seasoning and a touch of paprika brings an extra layer of flavor, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tips:
Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is thoroughly dried before applying the sauce, and consider increasing the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting.
Basting: If you want a deeper flavor, baste the chicken with the sauce every 30 minutes during roasting to enhance the flavor and moisture.
Add Vegetables: You can roast vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions alongside the chicken. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and add them to the pan for the last 45 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
Spicy Garlic-Prego Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic-Prego sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Chicken: Use fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil in place of rosemary for a different herbal note.
BBQ Garlic-Prego Chicken: Swap out the tomato sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist on the dish.
Stuffed Chicken: Add stuffing or herbs to the cavity of the chicken for extra flavor while it roasts.
Correction:
Overcooked Chicken: If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the chicken continues to cook through.
Juicy Chicken: If the chicken is not browning evenly, ensure the oven rack is placed in the middle and that the chicken is not too close to the heating element.
Enjoy!
Garlic-Prego Roasted Chicken is a delectable and flavorful dish that is both easy to make and full of delicious, hearty flavors. The garlic and tomato sauce make the chicken irresistible, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Enjoy this dish as the centerpiece of a fantastic meal!