Barley Chicken Casserole

Got this one off a box of barley. The original recipe was just "Hot Barley Casserole" so I added a bit to it. Nothing fancy here - just yummy chicken and good chewy barley. The original recipe didn't have much in the way of seasonings - I usually add some thyme or sage or other herbs.

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 2⁄3 cup  chopped onion
• 2⁄3 cup  chopped celery
• 1  cup barley
• 1 (10 3/4ounce) can  condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2  cups water
• 1 -2  cup  chopped  cooked chicken
• 1⁄4 cup  minced fresh parsley or 2  tablespoons dried parsley flakes

• Other seasoning suggestions (optional)

•  thyme (optional)
•  sage (optional)
•  tarragon, whatever you like (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
4. Add onion and celery, cook and stir till tender.
5. Add barley, cook about 2 minutes or till light golden brown, stirring frequently.
6. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients.
7. Add barley mixture, mix well.
8. Pour into prepared baking dish.
9. Cover and cook about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
10. Stir well before serving.