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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bailey's Catering LLC

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

Working onsite in Bolingbrook, IL, the Cook will collaborate with the culinary team to prep, cook, and assist with daily kitchen operations as needed for catering schedules. Key Responsibilities

Trulee Evanston

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

Solera Senior Living, LLC

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management. * Work with the dietary ... cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment. * Ability to follow ...

Ridgeway Petroleum Inc

Assistant Manager

Dyer, IN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Oversee the daily tasks of all pizza cooks. Train new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques ... Menu Management: Assist the Kitchen Manager in developing new menu items and updating existing ...

Inverness Health and Rehab

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off ... * Assist / direct daily or schedule cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and ...

Inverness Health and Rehab

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

) Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off ... * Assist / direct daily or schedule cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and ...

Ridgeway Petroleum

Assistant Manager

Dyer, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Key responsibilities of an Assistant Kitchen Manager: • Staff Management: • Oversee the daily tasks of all pizza cooks. • Train new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, recipes, and ...

Staffing the Universe

Medical Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

John Sengstacke Health Center, Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago Job Location: 500 E 51st St Chicago, IL 60615 Duration: 13 weeks with high possibility of extension Start Date: 08/10 ...

Wingstop

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Staffing the Universe

Medical Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

John Sengstacke Health Center, Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago Job Location: 500 E 51st St Chicago, IL 60615 Duration: 13 weeks with high possibility of extension Start Date: 08/10 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Aliya of Palatine

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... * Assist with additional kitchen duties, including cleaning, stocking, and dish area support as needed. * Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Cook K-12 Food Service

EDUEATS FOOD SERVICE COMPANY LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

EduEats Food Service Company is seeking a reliable Assistant Cook to support daily meal preparation and kitchen operations in a K-12 school environment.
Qualifications:
Previous K-12 school food service experience required.
Experience assisting with breakfast and lunch meal preparation.
Knowledge of USDA school nutrition guidelines and food safety practices preferred.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and as part of a team.
Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be willing to travel between school locations as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Responsibilities:
Assist the Cook with meal preparation, serving, and kitchen cleanup.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures.
Help receive and store deliveries.
Provide support at multiple school locations when needed.
This position requires a dependable, positive individual who is committed to providing high-quality meals to students while maintaining excellent customer service and teamwork.