Chicken, Rice, and Spices Bake

Description: I got this recipe from my friend Kasey a long time ago (I have adjusted the spices to my taste) and it is very easy--even for those that just can't seem to get basmati rice to cook "just right". So long as you cover the baking dish tightly with foil, it will not fail! I brought this to a pot-luck at work one day and ever since this dish was always requested by everyone at all of our potlucks.***I am cutting the salt to around half since there are quite a few reviews saying it is too salty. I don't measure the spices when I cook so I think I guessed the amount wrong.*** *** the cinnamon amount should be 1/2 tsp to 3/4 tsp only, not 2 teaspoons. I have tried changing it twice now and get email confirmation that the changes have been approved but it still says 2 tsp of cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 -10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion
• 1 garlic clove (chopped, minced or crushed)
• 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) or 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 3/4-1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups regular medium grain rice or 2 cups long-grain rice

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring water to boiling and add chicken bouillon cubes, lower heat and simmer till dissolved--keep it hot.
3. Sprinkle chicken with half the spices (except the garlic).
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on med-high to high heat and fry the chicken till both sides are brown, lower heat to medium and remove the chicken to a plate.
5. In that same skillet sauté the onions for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and remaining spices and sauté another 2 minutes, then turn off the burner.
6. Add the rice and stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, till well coated.
7. Spread rice in the baking dish and place the chicken thighs over the rice.
8. Gently pour in the chicken stock and cover tightly with foil.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes.