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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

South Barrington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Barrington, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for ... Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. * Assist with basic ...

Kitchen Prep - Part Time / Full Time Sharko's BBQ | 515 Roosevelt Road Join the vibrant team at ... Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ...

Kitchen Prep - Part Time / Full Time Sharko's BBQ | 515 Roosevelt Road Join the vibrant team at ... Food Preparation: Assist in preparing ingredients, marinating meats, and assembling dishes to ...

Kitchen Prep

Decatur, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

Fairview Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Where Good Grows. Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: • Follows recipe and storyboards to ... asked to assist in other job categories as well • All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

Peoria, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

Kitchen Prep

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Kitchen Preparation Responsibilities: Follows recipe and storyboards to prepare foods according to ... be asked to assist in other job categories as well All other duties as assigned Bob Evans ...

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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 Illinois?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Kitchen Prep

MAGO AH LLC

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Prep Cook Job Summary: As a Prep Cook in a high-volume kitchen, you will be responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting in the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Your role is essential in ensuring that the line cooks and chefs have everything they need to execute dishes quickly and consistently.  

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Prepare and portion ingredients, including chopping vegetables, butchering proteins, and making sauces. 
  • Follow recipes and kitchen prep lists to ensure consistency. 
  • Maintain a clean and organized workstation, following food safety and sanitation standards. 
  • Assist with receiving and storing deliveries, ensuring proper food rotation (FIFO). 
  • Label and date all prepped items to ensure freshness and minimize waste. 
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely, including slicers, mixers, and food processors. 
  • Support line cooks and chefs by keeping stations stocked and ready for service. 
  • Assist with basic cooking tasks as needed, such as blanching, roasting, and marinating. 
  • Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper knife handling and allergen awareness. 
  • Assist with kitchen closing duties, including cleaning and organizing prep areas. 


Ayudante de Cocina Resumen del Puesto Como Ayudante de Cocina en una cocina de alto volumen, seras responsable de la preparacion de ingredientes y del soporte general en la eficiencia de la cocina. Tu rol es fundamental para garantizar que los cocineros y chefs tengan todo lo necesario para ejecutar los platos de manera rapida y consistente.  

Responsabilidades Principales: 

  • Preparar y porcionar ingredientes, incluyendo picar verduras, cortar proteinas y elaborar salsas. 
  • Seguir recetas y listas de preparacion para garantizar la consistencia. 
  • Mantener una estacion de trabajo limpia y organizada, cumpliendo con los estandares de seguridad alimentaria e higiene. 
  • Ayudar con la recepcion y almacenamiento de entregas, asegurando la rotacion adecuada de alimentos (FIFO). 
  • Etiquetar y fechar todos los productos preparados 
  • Operar de manera segura equipos de cocina 
  • Apoyar a los cocineros y chefs manteniendo las estaciones listas para el servicio. 
  • Seguir todas las regulaciones de salud y seguridad, incluyendo el manejo adecuado de cuchillos y la conciencia sobre alergenos. 
  • Ayudar con las tareas de cierre de la cocina, 

Requirements

 Qualifications: 

  • Previous experience as a prep cook or in a similar kitchen role preferred. 

 Requisitos: 

  • Experiencia previa como ayudante de cocina o en un puesto similar (preferido).