Add oil to a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion for 5 minutes.
Then add in the chicken and sauté till the chicken is lightly browned on one side. Flip chicken pieces over, add garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, in another pan, over low heat, roast the coriander and cumin for about a couple of minutes stirring frequently as you don’t want the spices to burn. They will change color and become a tad bit darker during the roasting process. Set aside.
To the chicken, add the rice, the roasted coriander and cumin, chili powder (if using), turmeric, cloves, cardamom, and chicken broth and stir. Cover and let cook for about 15 minutes.
Uncover and add in the carrots, frozen peas, California Figs, and pecans (no need to mix at this point) and let cook about 5-7 minutes, or till rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
Using a fork, fluff, and mix the veggies, nuts, and California Figs with the lower layers of spiced rice and chicken.
Sprinkle some parsley, season with salt and pepper (if needed), and enjoy with a cold salad or raita.