Wash the chicken well and set it aside. Slice the onions and chop the tomato. Also, keep the whole spices, ginger-garlic paste, chicken curry powder, and other spices ready.
Heat vegetable oil in a vessel and add the whole spices and the bay leaves. When the spices begin to splutter, add the onions and fry until they turn golden in colour.
Now add the ginger-garlic paste and continue to saute for at least 2 minutes until the raw smell vanishes.
Add the chopped tomato and saute until it turns soft. Then add the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and chicken masala or curry powder. Fry this for 2 minutes.
Now add the chicken curry cut pieces and well as salt to taste. Mix well on a low flame for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add half a cup of yogurt/curds and a cup of water (200 ml). Cover the vessel and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Finally, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and switch off the heat.