Heat vegetable oil in a large pot and sauté onions on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add chicken to pot and fry on high heat for 3 minutes, stirring to brown all sides.
Add carrots to pot. Add 1 teaspoon each turmeric, black pepper, cumin, and chili flakes, 1 tablespoon of barberries, 4 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon salt. Add water and simmer.
Drain the soaked rice and layer it over the chicken. Do not mix. Stir rice gently from the sides to the center. If there's excess broth cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.