Contest-Winning Hot Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups diced celery
• 1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) water chestnuts, drained
• 1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans (2.8 ounces each) french-fried onions
• Chopped green onions, optional