Chicken and Wild Rice Bake

Step 1
Combine rice, contents of included seasoning packet, 1 3/4 cups water, and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Step 2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 3
Melt remaining butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large baking dish with cooked rice. Add chicken, 3 cups Cheddar cheese, condensed soup, water chestnuts, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper and stir until well mixed. Top with bread crumbs.

Step 4
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese and almonds and continue to bake until cheese has melted, about 5 minutes longer.