Marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and zeera powder for 30 minutes.
Make a smooth paste of the ingredients listed under cashew-almond paste. The texture should be smooth, not coarse.
Heat oil in a pan, add whole spices, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves and let them crackle to release their aroma and flavour.
Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium-high heat for 4 minutes, stirring continuously.
Cover and cook the chicken for 5 minutes on low heat.
Open the lid and add the cashew-almond paste. Mix well, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
Add whisked curd while keeping the flame low. Once mixed, increase the flame to high and cook stirring continuously until you see oil floating on top.
Cover and cook the chicken for 6 more minutes on low heat.
Open the lid and add fresh cream, garam masala powder, green chilies, and fresh coriander. Mix well.
Pro Tip:Authentic Mughlai Chicken gravy consistency is on the thick side. If you are serving it with rice at this point, you can add 1/2 cup of water.
Cover the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Garnish with almonds and cashews. Mughlai chicken is best paired with naan, roomali roti, tandoori roti or steamed basmati rice.
Pro Tip: If time allows, marinate at least for 2 hours or overnight for best results — the flavors penetrate deeper and the meat stays juicy.
Pro Tip: Marinate the Chicken a day ahead of party/dawat to save time.