Miss Cathy’s Angel Chicken

Potlucks on Sundays at the Branson Bible Baptist Church has always left me with my belly filled nearly as much as my soul. Those were especially true when it was Miss Cathy’s turn to bring the Main. Miss Cathy is a retired elementary teacher and a fixture at the BBBC, I don’t know any local who didn’t have her as a teacher growing up. We all still call her Miss Cathy to this day; to so many of us she’ll always be the firm but fair teacher who pushed you to do your best and made you feel like a million bucks when you did.

Several years ago she had a bit of a health scare and was diagnosed with Celiac disease. We all rallied around her, of course. As a congregation we took turns bringing her carefully prepared Celiac-friendly meals and driving her to the weekly service until she got her strength back. Nowadays she’s back to her old self, just as enthusiastic as before, and we’ve all benefited from the new gluten free recipes she tries out.

One of her staples for Potluck is something she calls “Angel Chicken” and it is true to its name because it tastes just like it’s made in Heaven. And it’s easy too! She and the Preacher are on to something with their Instant Pot meals, they just plug in the machine, toss in the ingredients, and go to Service. Church lasts about an hour and by the time it’s done, the food is ready to serve and enjoy.

The problem is that Miss Cathy’s original recipe calls for gluten-filled Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom, Chicken, or Celery – and, yes, all three of those soup-mixes have wheat in their first five ingredients!

We all thought we would have to say goodbye to our favorite Potluck meal. But, as my MeMa would say “when iffin’ a door closes, God always opens a winder.” Our fears would soon be put to rest.

Luckily the folk that run the Brazen Bounty table at the Farmer’s Market make their own naturally gluten-free “Cream of Whatever” soup mix that you can buy dry and keep in your pantry. They let Miss Cathy try some as a Celiac-friendly ingredient substitute for her famous Angel Chicken. They didn’t even charge her for the giant Ball jar full of the magical concoction. And, there again, one sees God’s blessings everywhere you look.

Now I’m not saying you have to use Brazen Bounty’s Cream of Whatever Soup Mix, you are free to go and buy the canned stuff, or by all means use up any of the canned stuff that’s already in your pantry. That said, with all due respect to Miss Cathy, her health-centered recipe will be listed here. Brazen Bounty was also kind enough to provide their recipe for the soup mix so you can make your own at home.