Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1/2 stick margarine
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cup milk
3 cups cooked rice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup slivered almonds (optional)
2 tsp parsley
1-2 crowns of broccolli
1 cup cheese
1 package chicken stove-top-style stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions

Melt margarine over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add celery and cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add onion and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in soup, salt, pepper, parsley, rice, chicken, milk and slivered almonds and cook until warm and bubbly. Steam broccoli for 3-5 minutes (do not overcook!) Mix steamed broccoli into the mixture and pour into 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top of dish. Spoon stuffing over the top and bake, uncovered in 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until stuffing is toasted.