Dump a whole raw chicken in the slow cooker and 2 other secret ingredients to get a dish so incredibly tender your friends will be begging for more.

This 3-ingredient slow cooker weekend chicken is my go-to when I’m juggling work, errands, and still want something that tastes like I fussed over it all day. You literally dump a whole raw chicken into the slow cooker with two secret helpers—ranch dressing mix and a jar of salsa verde—and walk away. Hours later, you’ve got fall-apart tender, crazy-flavorful chicken that tastes like you marinated, seared, and babysat it… but you didn’t. It’s perfect for lazy Saturdays, game days, or whenever you want a big batch of protein with almost zero effort.

Serve this shredded over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the savory juices. It’s also fantastic stuffed into tortillas for easy tacos, piled on top of nachos, or tucked into buns for sliders. Add a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or steamed green beans to round out the meal. Leftovers keep well and are great for meal prep—use the chicken in grain bowls, wraps, or even tossed into a quick soup later in the week.

Servings: 6-8

1 whole raw chicken (4–5 pounds), giblets removed

Place the whole raw chicken breast-side down into the bottom of a large slow cooker. Make sure the cavity is empty and the giblets are removed.

Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly all over the chicken, including a little inside the cavity if you’d like. Don’t worry about rubbing it in perfectly; it will melt into the juices as it cooks.

Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over and around the chicken, letting it run down the sides so the bottom of the slow cooker has some liquid. The chicken should be mostly surrounded by the salsa.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Once cooked, carefully lift the chicken out of the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or platter. It will be very tender, so use two large spatulas or forks to move it.

Remove and discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat with two forks. Skim excess fat from the cooking juices in the slow cooker if desired.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the warm ranch-salsa verde juices until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Switch the slow cooker to WARM and let the chicken sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up more flavor, then serve straight from the slow cooker with your favorite sides or in tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.

Use a smoky salsa verde or add a spoonful of canned diced green chiles along with the salsa for a deeper, roasty flavor while still keeping the ingredient list short. If you like a creamier finish, stir in a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese or sour cream after shredding the chicken and returning it to the slow cooker. For a slightly crispier texture on top, spread the shredded chicken on a sheet pan, drizzle with a bit of the juices, and broil for 3–5 minutes until the edges caramelize, then pour more juices over before serving. You can also swap the ranch packet for a taco seasoning packet for a more classic Tex-Mex vibe, or use a spicier salsa verde if your crowd likes heat. Leftovers freeze well in zip-top bags and reheat beautifully for quick weeknight tacos, burrito bowls, or stuffed baked potatoes.