Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

By mamacook1

A favorite. Freezes

Ingredients

• 2 6.2oz. pkg fast cooking long grain and wild rice mix
• 1/4 c butter
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 80z cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 5 c chicken, cooked and chopped
• 4 c shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 101/2 oz cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 160z container sour cream
• 1 c milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 c breadcrumbs

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare rice as directed, set aside.
Melt butter , add onions, celery, and water chestnuts. Saute 10 minutes.
Stir in rice,chicken, 3 c cheese, soup and next 4 ingredients.
Spoon mix into 15x10 baking dish, lightly greased.Top w/ breadcrumbs.

Bake 350*
30 minutes Top w/ remaining c of cheese.

If freezing, do not sprinkle w/ cheese before freezing. Thaw for 1 hour and bake 55 minutes.