Heat oil and ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Cook cumin seeds in hot oil-ghee mixture until seeds begin to change color.
Stir in onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; continue cooking until onions are browned, about 5 minutes more.
Mix in water, tomato, serrano pepper, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, and salt; simmer for 5 minutes. Lay chicken into sauce; mix gently to coat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until chicken is no longer pink near the bone, about 40 minutes. Garnish with cilantro to serve.