Chicken Rice Casserole

We really do try to eat healthy most of the time.  But, there are a few comfort food recipes that I just can't give up.  This is one of those recipes.  I like this recipe because it is a cheesy, creamy, stick to your ribs comfort food, but also because it makes a TON and does so well in the freezer.  It can be made completely ahead then just baked for 30 minutes and it's done. 

I made this last night to take to a friend who had a baby.  It was an easy Sunday lunch for us too, just put the breadcrumb topping on and bake while you throw together a salad.  Since it feeds so many and can be almost entirely prepared ahead of time, it would be a good choice if you were having a big group over for Sunday lunch.  With a salad it can be a whole meal.

I made this into two 13x9 dishes, but you could make one huge casserole or break it out into four 8x8 dishes and freeze for future meals.  Cook once eat four times?  My kind of recipe :)

Favorite Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole


2 (6oz) fast cooking long grain/wild rice  (I just used regular brown rice- 1 1/2 cups of dry rice, cooked)
¼ cup butter
1 large chopped onion
4 celery stalks
1 can tiny whole corn
2 cans sliced water chestnuts (I use one can and dice them)
5 cups chopped, cooked chicken
4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 (16oz) tub sour cream
1 cup milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs
melted butter

Prepare rice and set aside.

Melt butter and add onions, celery, corn, and chestnuts. Saute until tender. Stir in rice,
chicken, 3 cups of cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, salt and pepper. Spoon into baking
dish(es). Stir breadcrumbs into melted butter. Sprinkle on top of casserole. May also
sprinkle sliced almonds. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of
cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

Also great frozen!! Freeze before adding breadcrumbs and before baking. When ready
to use: De-thaw, add the breadcrumb topping, bake at 350 for 30 minutes, top with
cheese, then bake 5 more minutes.