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### Instructions:
1. **Prep the chicken**: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up a bit, even in the slow cooker.
2. **Season**: Sprinkle the entire packet of dry ranch seasoning over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin for full coverage.
3. **Add butter**: Place slices of butter on top of the chicken and a few underneath if you’d like even more flavor throughout.
4. **Cook low and slow**: Place the chicken in your slow cooker **breast-side up**. Cover with the lid and cook on **LOW for 6–8 hours**, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh).
5. **Crisp the skin (optional)**: Want that golden, crispy finish? Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the skin crisps up.
6. **Serve**: Carefully carve and serve warm, or shred for use in other meals.
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### Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken:
– **Use a trivet or veggies**: Laying the chicken on top of thick-sliced onions or root vegetables helps lift it off the bottom and prevents sogginess.
– **Save the drippings**: The liquid left behind is pure gold—use it as a gravy base or for cooking rice or soup.
– **Make it your own**: Swap ranch for Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or even Cajun spice for different flavor profiles.
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### Why It’s Better Than Rotisserie
Rotisserie chickens are convenient—but often loaded with preservatives and sodium. This version skips the additives and gives you total control over the ingredients. Plus, the flavor soaks deep into the meat as it cooks, making every bite juicy, tender, and savory from the inside out.
And with such an easy method, it’s perfect for meal prep: one chicken can stretch into multiple meals throughout the week, from enchiladas to chicken salad.
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This **3-ingredient slow cooker whole chicken** is proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s wholesome, delicious, and practically effortless—a kitchen staple you’ll come back to again and again.
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Would you like a few creative ideas for using the leftovers?
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