How to return a specific entry?
This is the correct way.
Examples:
Singles:
{% set entry = craft.entries.section('section_handle').one() %}

Channels / Structures:
{% set entry = craft.entries.section('section_handle').slug('my_slug').one() %}

General:
{% set entry = craft.entries.id(5).one() %}

See craft.entries for a list of all properties.