Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (2.25-oz.) package sliced almonds
• 2 (6.2-oz.) boxes fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 5 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 (10 3/4-oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 (8-oz.) cans chopped water chestnuts, drained
• 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs