Soak rice: Rinse well, then soak in cold water for min. 20 mins, preheat oven 320°F (160°C)
Bloom spices: Heat 1 tsp oil; fry bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves 5 sec; set aside
Chicken masala – 10 min: Heat 2 Tbsp oil; fry onions 3 min. Add ginger & garlic 1 min, tomatoes 5 min. Mix spices with 1–2 Tbsp water; toss with chicken 1–2 min (don’t cook through).
Assemble: Add drained rice to dish. Pour coconut milk + broth; stir. Tuck in whole spices
Bake – Cover; bake 320°F (160°C) 35-40 min (adjust based on cookware note). Check at 35 mins, if rice isn’t cooked add 2-4 tbsps of water or broth, cover and cook another 5-10mins
Rest – 10 min: Let sit 10 min; fluff with fork
Serve: Garnish with cilantro, mint, lime; serve with yogurt