Chicken and Rice Curry Casserole

I always love a dish that I can fix and forget. This one often allows me a good half hour or so to have a quick cup of tea and a short read before supper. Also, my kids really like rice, so this is one casserole that no one complains about!

2 Tbsp butter
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, minced
2 carrots, chopped
1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 cups uncooked rice
2 cups diced cooked chicken
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or plain yogurt
1 to 2 Tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

Preheat oven to 350*F. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion, carrots, and apple; cook, stirring for a few minutes. Add next 7 ingredients; stir until well combined. Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly and rice is tender.