Creamy Curry Chicken and Rice

Name: Creamy Curry Chicken and Rice
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt divided; 1/4 teaspoon saffron crushed; 1 1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice; 1 (3-inch) stick cinnamon; 1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon canola or light olive oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger peeled and minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 serrano chili seeded and minced; 1/2 cup dried cherries chopped if large; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup chopped cashews; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro