Heat oven to 400 F. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat dry.
Cut each thigh in half. Season the pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
Transfer to a plate.
Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the broth and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, for 1 minute.
Add the cinnamon, ginger, and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in the yogurt. Stir in the raisins, almonds, rice, and browned chicken.
Transfer to an oiled 8-by-11-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole. If using the phyllo, butter the tops of 6 sheets, stack them on top of one another, and place on the casserole, molding to fit. If not using the phyllo, cover the casserole with foil.