Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients

    • 2 (6 1/4 ounce) packages fast-cooking long grain and wild rice blend
    • 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
    • 2 medium onions, chopped
    • 4 celery ribs, chopped
    • 2 (8 ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
    • 5 cups chopped cooked chicken
    • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
    • 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
    • 2 (8 ounce) containers sour cream
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare rice according to package directions; set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion, celery and water chestnuts. Saute 10 minutes or until tender.
  3. Stir in rice, chicken, 3 cups cheese, and next 5 ingredients; spoon mixture into a lightly greased 15- x 10-inch baking dish or a 4-quart casserole. ( I prefer to use 2 smaller size casseroles-one to give and one for my family).
  4. Top with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake casserole at 350°F for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese, and bake 5 more minutes.

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