Preheat the oven to 400°F (207°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the ranch dressing over them; add the pinch of salt and dashes of black pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Marinate briefly while preparing the coating.
In a separate shallow bowl, mix the panko (or breadcrumbs) with the shredded Parmesan until combined.
Working one piece at a time, press each ranch-coated chicken piece into the panko-Parmesan mixture to coat thoroughly, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing pieces in a single layer.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown on the outside.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with extra ranch dressing if desired.
