Can Eestherlee's mac and cheese top Tini's Perfection?
Can Eestherlee's mac and cheese top Tini's PERFECTION? is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min
Cost: $16.30 total, $4.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry, uncooked)
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cooked and shredded)
- 4 Tbsp Butter (unsalted, cut into cubes)
- 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (full‑fat)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder (optional)
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- to taste Salt (adjust for seasoning)
- 0.5 cup Bread Crumbs (prefer panko for extra crunch)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the other components.
Time: PT0M
Temperature: 375°F
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 8‑9 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Cook and Shred Chicken
Season the chicken breast with a pinch of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the chicken 5‑6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest 2 minutes, then shred with two forks.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high
Make Roux
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Create Cheese Sauce Base
Slowly pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the roux while whisking. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3‑4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: low
Add Cheeses and Seasonings
Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until fully melted. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the assembled pasta in the baking dish.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13‑inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the edges are lightly golden.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Broil for Finish
Remove the foil (if used) and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2‑3 minutes, watching closely, until the breadcrumb topping turns deep golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: broil
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs (if using egg‑based breadcrumbs)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: corkscrew pasta, penne
- Instead of Chicken Breast: rotisserie chicken, turkey breast
- Instead of Butter: margarine
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, plant‑based milk
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: aged cheddar
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: yellow mustard
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced onion
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: crushed crackers
- Instead of Olive Oil: melted butter
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Oven
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness
- Whisk the roux and milk mixture continuously to avoid lumps
- Broil the dish only until the breadcrumb topping is golden, then remove immediately
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for both flavor and meltability
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for depth
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick
Thin it with a little extra milk or cream, whisking until smooth
Sauce is lumpy
Whisk vigorously over low heat; if lumps persist, blend with an immersion blender
Pasta is mushy
Cook the macaroni al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package directions) and drain promptly
Breadcrumb topping didn’t brown
Increase broiler time by 1‑2 minutes or switch to high heat and watch closely
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 1 month; reheat gently and add a splash of milk if sauce separates
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the mac and cheese up to step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- The dish can be baked straight from the fridge; just add an extra 5‑7 minutes to the bake time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Baked mac and cheese evolved from Southern casseroles in the early 20th century, becoming a staple of American comfort food. It blends Italian pasta with British cheese sauce traditions, and over decades it has been adapted with regional twists like adding meat or spicy seasonings.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a crunchy breadcrumb or cracker topping and may feature sharp cheddar. New England versions may use a béchamel base with Gruyère. Some Mid‑western recipes add ham or bacon, while modern twists incorporate lobster or jalapeños.
How is chicken mac and cheese traditionally served in American family meals?
It is typically served as a main dish alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. In many households it appears at pot‑lucks, holiday gatherings, or as a hearty weeknight dinner, often paired with cornbread or garlic bread.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken mac and cheese associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, it is popular at family gatherings, game‑day parties, and casual celebrations because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time.
What makes this chicken mac and cheese recipe special compared to classic teen‑approved mac and cheese?
This version adds seasoned shredded chicken for protein, a richer cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan), and a smoked paprika‑infused sauce that gives depth beyond the typical teen‑style version, while still keeping the beloved creamy texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy; letting the cheese sauce boil, which can cause it to separate; and broiling too long, which burns the breadcrumb topping. Follow the critical steps to prevent these issues.
Why does this recipe use a roux‑based cheese sauce instead of simply melting cheese into milk?
A roux creates a stable thickening base that prevents the cheese from clumping and separates, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Directly melting cheese can lead to grainy texture.
Can I make this chicken mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Leftovers store in the fridge for 3‑4 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken mac and cheese is done?
The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, the pasta fully coated, and the breadcrumb topping golden‑brown and crisp. The interior should be creamy without any dry spots.
What does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on fun, family‑friendly Italian‑inspired dishes, comfort food classics, and creative twists on everyday meals, often featuring step‑by‑step visual guides and playful commentary.
How does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 emphasizes approachable recipes with clear visual cues, uses affordable pantry staples, and adds unique flavor boosts—like smoked paprika and chicken protein—to classic dishes, making them both nostalgic and slightly elevated compared to typical comfort‑food tutorials.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
