re: Homemade jambalaya - where did I go wrong or what’s missing?

Using Better Than Bouillon chicken base can make up for not browning the meat enough. Don't add any salt, and add the chicken base until your liquid tastes a little over salty. The rice will absorb the salt and chicken flavor to come out right.

The extra soup base will add a good bit of umami flavor to the rice. If it's not brown enough, some people cheat by adding Kitchen Bouquet.