This Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce is a delightful and easy skillet meal that brings together seasoned chicken breast and a flavorful sauce. The sauce, enriched with cream, Parmesan cheese, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, creates a deliciously creamy texture that will impress your family and friends. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something comforting yet sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 60 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The white apple vinegar sauce adds a tangy depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying sauce.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and enhanced by fresh herbs and spices.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into this delicious recipe, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will streamline your cooking process and make it even more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Gallon freezer bag or saran wrap
- Meat mallet
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for searing the chicken evenly while allowing room for the sauce to develop.
- Meat mallet: Helps to tenderize the chicken for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping up fond from the skillet, which enhances the flavor of your sauce.

Ingredients
This Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce is an easy skillet meal with seasoned chicken breast smothered in a flavorful white apple vinegar sauce. It has a hint of cream, Parmesan cheese, and freshly squeezed lemon juice which adds the best finishing touch.
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt/pepper
- ¼ cup flour
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry white apple vinegar (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water, optional)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (see notes)
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
- 1 teaspoon each: dried parsley, mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried basil
How to Make Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2–3 thinner slices.
- Place in a gallon freezer bag or between saran wrap. Use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Pat completely dry.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Season each side with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge in the flour and tap off excess flour.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside while leaving brown remnants in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
- Turn off heat briefly, then add apple vinegar to deglaze; set heat back to medium.
- Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet.
Step 5: Cook Down the Sauce
- Let it bubble gently until reduced by half (about 10 minutes).
- Add butter and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings; bring to a boil.
Step 6: Thicken if Desired
- If you prefer a thicker sauce consistency:
- Combine cornstarch with cold water until uniform.
- Slowly stir into bubbling sauce until thickened.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low; slowly add heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 8: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Add seared chicken back into skillet; spoon sauce on top.
- Cover partially; let simmer for about 5 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 9: Final Touches
- Stir fresh lemon juice into sauce before serving.
- Garnish with parsley for an added touch of freshness; serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted green beans.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce!
How to Serve Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce
Serving Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your preferences. This flavorful dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its creamy texture and tangy taste.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly, allowing you to savor every bite.
Over Pasta
- Serve the chicken on a bed of pasta for a filling meal. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted vegetables add a healthy crunch and vibrant colors, making your plate visually appealing.
On a Bed of Rice
- Fluffy rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making for a satisfying and hearty dish.
With Fresh Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the chicken. Add a vinaigrette for extra zest!
How to Perfect Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce
To achieve perfection with Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce, consider these essential tips. They will help elevate your cooking game and enhance the dish’s flavors.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality vinegar will significantly impact flavor.
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensuring uniform thickness promotes even cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste.
- Deglaze Properly: Use a spatula to scrape up brown bits from the skillet; they add depth to your sauce.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens flavors when sprinkled on top before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce
Pairing side dishes with Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this savory dish.
- Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and flavor. - Steamed Asparagus
This vegetable’s bright green color and earthy flavor make it an excellent companion for the creamy sauce. - Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad brings texture and nutty flavors, balancing out the richness of the chicken. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweet tang of white apple vinegar sauce. - Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well while providing a light base for your meal. - Creamed Spinach
Rich and creamy, this classic side can elevate your dinner with its comforting flavors. - Herbed Couscous
Quick to prepare, herbed couscous adds freshness and complements the dish wonderfully. - Sweet Potato Mash
The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce while adding nutritional value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can impact your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for enhanced taste.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once can result in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to achieve a golden crust.
- Ignoring sauce reduction: Failing to let the sauce reduce can lead to a watery texture. Allow it to bubble gently until it thickens and concentrates flavors.
- Rushing the cream addition: Adding heavy cream too quickly can cause curdling. Gradually stir it in while reducing heat for a smooth consistency.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or lemon juice may diminish the dish’s presentation and flavor. Always finish with garnishes for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.
Reheating Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warm. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce:
Can I use other types of vinegar?
You can substitute white apple vinegar with other light vinegars like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for similar results.
How do I make Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken in White apple vinegar Sauce?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement its flavors.
Can I customize the sauce ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or include more garlic for an extra flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce is not only simple but also versatile enough for any dinner occasion. The blend of creamy sauce and tangy vinegar creates a delightful twist that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or side dishes—your creativity will make this dish truly yours!
Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken in White Apple Vinegar Sauce is a delightful skillet dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy sauce. This recipe features the perfect blend of flavors from white apple vinegar, heavy cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, making it an impressive yet easy meal for any occasion. In just about 60 minutes, you can whip up this comforting dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound to ½ inch thick. Pat dry.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; dredge in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and deglaze pan with white apple vinegar.
- Add butter and garlic; cook briefly before stirring in chicken broth and seasonings.
- Thicken sauce with cornstarch if desired; add heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer briefly before removing from heat.
- Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg