Eva Claiborne's Hen and Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 whole hen
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cornbread crumbs
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water