re: My first jambalaya (pls be gentle) - Updated second attempt

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but don't stir the protein too much, actually let it stick (to a degree, don't get crazy).

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This. You're not going to get a brown if you stir so much that nothing really sits on the bottom long enough.

I put enough chicken to make a flat layer, let it sit a minute or so, stir, and so on. Thats going to give you the delicious brown bits that stick to the pan, are lifted by your veggies, and then distributed throughout the dish.

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I added my spices after the stock went in and was boiling

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Yeah don't do that next time. Add in your spices right at the beginning when you are sauteing the veggies. That way they are already in and mixing and releasing flavor when you add in the chicken and the sausage. Then everything can blend and mix and by the time the water/stock and rice comes in, everything has been seasoned.

I am a firm believer that no matter the dish, cutting every thing up myself fresh and adding it into the pot one at a time makes it taste better, whether or not that is all in my head, it is the way my mom was taught to cook by my Grandpa and the way they both taught me.

Try it out, then tell me if you think it makes a difference.

okay good, I thought I was going crazy when it wouldn't brown

"Searing" (for lack of a better word since it is chopped up chicken) still makes me nervous sometimes. You should see the restraint it takes for me to avoid touching burger patties. I totally understand that when it sits there, you get scared it's going to stick too much and burn.

But some sticking is good.

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I always mix what I can are before dumping it in.

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Efficiency isn't always the best way in the kitchen.

Not all veggies need the same cook time. Still good work overall. You nailed the hardest part(rice).

Looks good. I'm assuming the chicken in breast meat. Try boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a less dry chicken.

That is a great effort for a first try. I would eat it. I would try for a little more color next time, though. That popped rice is amazing for you first attempt.

Looks good, is definitely eat it.

Maybe try with pork next time? Personal preference, but I'd rather a pork jamb than chicken.

Nice first effort. Good advice on not cooking as much meat at once. Let it stick and don't stir until it naturally releases on its own.

There can never be too many green onions!