Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Cream Sauce with Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce offers a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors that brighten up tender chicken breasts. It’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup white apple vinegar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 2 tablespoons cold water, optional)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts thinly and pound them to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking.
- Step 2: Season the chicken evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Pour white apple vinegar into the skillet and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits left from the chicken—these add great flavor.
- Step 5: Stir in butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, mustard powder, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 6: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the boiling sauce until it thickens.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer briefly to heat through, then stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil and lemon juice before cooking.
- Try substituting white apple vinegar with white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave at medium power, stirring halfway through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicy, though cooking times may be slightly longer.
Is white apple vinegar necessary for this recipe?
White apple vinegar adds a unique tangy sweetness, but you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
PrintChicken in White Apple Vinegar Cream Sauce with Parmesan Recipe
This Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy white apple vinegar sauce enriched with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. The dish balances sharp vinegar acidity with the richness of cream and cheese, making a perfect main course for any dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup white apple vinegar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts thinly and use a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking and tenderness.
- Season and Dredge: Season the chicken on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then dredge each piece evenly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour the white apple vinegar into the hot skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add the butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce (implied from instructions), dried parsley, mustard powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to reheat and allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice to add a bright, fresh note to the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Slicing and pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- The vinegar provides a tangy backbone that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and should be used if a thicker sauce is preferred.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best and enhances the sauce texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning at the end as needed, especially salt and pepper.
- Serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Keywords: chicken, white apple vinegar sauce, creamy chicken, skillet chicken, Parmesan sauce, easy dinner recipe

