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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

EL Cook/Prep

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

Prep Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Kitchen Assistant, or similar role in a high-volume kitchen preferred * Strong knife skills and understanding of basic culinary techniques * Ability to multi-task ...

Prep Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Kitchen Assistant, or similar role in a high-volume kitchen preferred * Strong knife skills and understanding of basic culinary techniques * Ability to multi-task ...

Prep Cook

Catalina, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

A Prep Cook, or Kitchen Assistant, is responsible for food preparation, which then allows the Cooks to maximize their time cooking food. Their main responsibilities include chopping and peeling ...

Prep Cook

Catalina, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

A Prep Cook, or Kitchen Assistant, is responsible for food preparation, which then allows the Cooks to maximize their time cooking food. Their main responsibilities include chopping and peeling ...

Prep Cook

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers. * Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

Prep Cook

Cave Creek, AZ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers. * Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various ... A good Prep Cook must work quickly and efficiently so that our speed of service objectives are met ...

AM PREP COOK

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

About the Role As an AM Prep Cook, you'll play a key role in setting up the kitchen for a ... Prepare ingredients according to recipes and prep lists * Assist with knife work, sauces, dressings ...

Prep Cook

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Position Summary At Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG), part-time Prep Cooks will assist with food preparation and kitchen support operations for our various indoor and outdoor activations across our 275 ...

Savory Prep

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. This role involves preparing a variety of savory dishes ... Lift and restock supplies, and assist with unloading weekly deliveries to ensure the kitchen is ...

Savory Prep

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. This role involves preparing a variety of savory dishes ... Lift and restock supplies, and assist with unloading weekly deliveries to ensure the kitchen is ...

Savory Prep

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. This role involves preparing a variety of savory dishes ... Lift and restock supplies, and assist with unloading weekly deliveries to ensure the kitchen is ...

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist chefs with mise en place, including chopping, slicing, peeling, and measuring ingredients. * Support the kitchen team during service by quickly restocking and delivering prep items.

Oversee kitchen flow, prep, and staffing to ensure efficient and timely service * Ensure all dishes ... Lead and work alongside all Back of House team members * Assist in training and developing new ...

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist chefs with mise en place, including chopping, slicing, peeling, and measuring ingredients. * Support the kitchen team during service by quickly restocking and delivering prep items.

Prep Cook

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist chefs with mise en place, including chopping, slicing, peeling, and measuring ingredients. * Support the kitchen team during service by quickly restocking and delivering prep items.

Prep Cook

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will play a crucial role in the kitchen operations by assisting in food ... Duties/Responsibilities: * Assist in preparing ingredients for menu items following standardized ...

Back of House Team Member

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Supports the kitchen with speed and efficiency. * Assist with prep work, including chopping, portioning, and stocking ingredients. Quality & Consistency * Ensure all food items meet café standards ...

Prep Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

As a Prep Cook, you will play a crucial role in the kitchen operations by assisting in food ... Duties/Responsibilities: * Assist in preparing ingredients for menu items following standardized ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen Prep Assistant information

What is a kitchen prep assistant?

Kitchen Prep Assistants are entry-level professionals who support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, portioning food, and ensuring that cooking stations are stocked and ready for service. They also help with basic cooking tasks and are responsible for keeping work areas sanitary to comply with food safety standards. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a restaurant or food service kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep assistant?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, supporting the overall efficiency and quality of the kitchen operation.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen prep assistants, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen Prep Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where time management and multitasking are essential. One common challenge is maintaining efficiency while ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards. To manage these pressures, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, and consistently follow proper food handling procedures. Adapting to varying workloads and being proactive about preparing ingredients can also help minimize stress during peak hours.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep Assistant vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen Prep AssistantLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic food prep, ingredient organization, and cleaningPrepares and cooks menu items during service
CredentialsMinimal certifications, food safety knowledge preferredFood handler permits, culinary training often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support roles, less fast-pacedHigh-pressure, fast-paced during service
Industry UsageCommon entry-level support role in restaurantsCore cooking position in kitchens

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, the Kitchen Prep Assistant focuses on supporting food prep and organization, whereas the Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and pace, with the Prep Assistant serving as a foundational support role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Kitchen Prep jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$14 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare ingredients such as marinating chicken, chopping produce, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.

  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, sanitize tools and equipment, and support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

  • Follow food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations to prevent cross-contamination and ensure compliance.


Job description

Position: Prep Cook
Reports to: Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager
Job Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food safety standards. This role supports kitchen efficiency and consistency, ensuring ingredients are ready for grilling and service.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
  • Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.
  • Follow approved recipes, prep lists, and portion controls.
  • Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines.
  • Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned.

Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage spaces.
  • Clean and sanitize prep tools, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management.
  • Support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

Food Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle raw and cooked products to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with cooks and grill staff.
  • Follow direction from managers and shift leaders.
  • Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Cutting, marinating, mixing, and portioning food items.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with restaurant team members and management.
  • Use of knives, prep equipment, and kitchen tools, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Work Environment
  • Work performed primarily in a restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to open-flame grills, heat, cold storage areas, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately.
  • Ability to maintain focus and food safety standards.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.