The Best Chicken Parmesan

extra virgin olive oil

finely chopped yellow onion

garlic cloves (, minced)

salt and freshly ground black pepper

dried parsley

dried oregano

red pepper flakes

crushed Roma tomatoes (I prefer Contadina)

granulated sugar

bay leaf

chopped fresh basil

boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed, halved horizontally*, and pounded to 1/2-inch thick

salt

whole-milk mozzarella cheese (, shredded (1/2 cup))

provolone cheese (, shredded (1/2 cup) (I just bought a very thick slice from the deli counter, then grated it))

large egg

all-purpose flour

Parmesan cheese (, grated (1/2 cup))

Panko bread crumbs

garlic powder

dried oregano

freshly ground black pepper

vegetable oil

extra virgin olive oil

torn fresh basil