Wash the thyme and, except for 2 stems for garnishing, pluck leaves from the stems and chop them. Peel and chop the garlic. Cut the chicken lengthwise at the back, wash and dab dry. Cut the breastbone so that the chicken can be laid flat apart
Season chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Season the inside additionally with thyme and garlic and put it on the oiled fat pan of the oven. Roast in the preheated oven (electric cooker: 200 °C/ convection oven: 175 °C/ gas: see manufacturer) for approx. 1 1/2 hours
Wash the tomatoes and spread around the chicken on the fat pan about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Arrange chicken and tomatoes and garnish with thyme