Leslie's Favorite Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This casserole is my favorite chicken casserole. I usually make the entire recipe and divide it between 3 (9x9) square pans. One for dinner that night and 2 for the freezer.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

2 (6.2) packages fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix

1/4 cup butter

4 celery ribs, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped (This was not in the original recipe)

2 medium onions, chopped

2 (8- ounce) cans diced water chestnuts, drained

5 cups shredded cooked chicken

4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 (16oz) container sour cream

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 cups soft breadcrumbs (homemade - i butter a few pieces of bread and then tear them into small pieces)

1 (2.25 ounce) package sliced almonds, toasted (i do not use these because mark doesn't like them)

Prepare rice mixes according to package directions.

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat; add celery, onion and green pepper. Saute 10 minutes or until tender.

Combine water chestnuts, cooked rice, celery mixture, chicken, 3 cups cheese, and next 4 ingredients in a very large bowl.

Spoon mixture into lightly greased 15x 10 baking dish or a 4 quart baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and almonds; bake 5 more minutes.

Note: You can divide the casserole evenly between 2 (11x7) baking dishes. Bake as directed above, or freeze casserole up to 1 month. Remove from freezer, and let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Bake, covered, at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover casserole, and bake 55 more minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and almonds; bake 5 more minutes.

Source: Southern Living