Chicken and Basmati Rice Pilau with Saffron, Spinach, and Cardamom

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice
• 3/4 cup dried lentils
• Cooking spray
• 10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 2 cups vertically sliced onion
• 2 teaspoons chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups warm fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds