Leslie's Favorite Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Great make ahead dish. I will definitely add it into my normal rotation. It would be perfect to take to friends and family in times of need. I followed the recipe, minus omitting water chestnuts (not my families favorite). I also used all low-fat ingredients.

A family and friend fav!!

I love this casserole. I usually half the recipe because it makes a TON! This is my "go to" for friends with new babies or a sick loved one.

This is a great easy recipe. I save time by taking a large bowl and microwaving the celery and onion along with the butter for 5-7 minutes. I use the same bowl to mix everything together and it makes clean up easier. I also add slivered almonds on top of the cheese during the last 5 minutes. I use breadcrumbs which I make myself. Just toast bread and throw into the blender or food processor. Lastly I save time by using a rotisserie chicken. This makes 2-11x13 pans in my house. We either half this or when we make the whole recipe we eat one of the pans and freeze the other. Stays in rotation since we get rotisserie chickens at Costco weekly and are always looking for ways to use up the meat. I will use the breast meat for sandwiches and the rest of the meat for casseroles, enchiladas etc. You must remove the meat while the chicken is warm or it will be more work.

I've been making this casserole for over 10 years (Christmas with SL -2002) and it is always a hit with family and friends. This is also my go-to recipe when our church outreach program asks for meals and also for any other time when people need a meal - new baby/ sick family member.

Delicious, with great ingredients. Would you clear up confusion in bake times? Recipe states 50 minutes but if you add all the times in the directions, it's 90 minutes. Thanks so much!