Fragrant Persian Chicken with Rice and Dried Fruit - ioanacooks

Ingredients

• 1 big pinch saffron threads, crumbled
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 2 medium onions, halved through the root and thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup dried cherries or cranberries, roughly chopped if large
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced, slivered or chopped whole almonds, optional