Prep Chef Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL
A Prep Chef, also known as a preparation cook, is an integral part of the culinary industry responsible for preparing ingredients for the main cooks or chefs in a kitchen. Their tasks include washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and other food items, as well as cooking and preparing simple dishes. They also play a critical role in maintaining cleanliness and order in the kitchen, storing food appropriately, and ensuring the availability of fresh ingredients. Prep Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or cooks, thus they need to have a keen eye for detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
To qualify as a Prep Chef, a certificate or an associate's degree in culinary arts or a related field is usually required. However, critical skills such as culinary expertise, knife skills, understanding of food safety standards, and a strong familiarity with various cooking techniques are essential. In addition, they should also have good physical stamina to manage long hours of standing and handling kitchen equipment. Prior to progressing to the position of a Prep Chef, a person may start their culinary journey in roles such as a dishwasher, line cook or a kitchen assistant.
Prep Cook - Streamwood Chili's
- Streamwood, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 8 hours ago
- Streamwood, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 8 hours ago
Role Overview Our Heart of House Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take...
- Barrington, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 18 hours ago
- Barrington, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 18 hours ago
*Opportunity for promotion* Company Overview: Founded in 1929, Heinen’s is a premier grocery store chain noted for its quality products and outstanding customer service. Heinen’s has now welcomed...
- Kildeer, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 21 hours ago
- Kildeer, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 21 hours ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 5 0 pounds....
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 22 hours ago
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 22 hours ago
Job Details Job Title Prep Cook Posted: 7/10/2025 Salary: $18.31 / hour Location IL, Vernon Hills 307 Hawthorn Center Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Description IMMEDIATELY HIRING - Prep Cooks Part-Time &...
- Kildeer, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Kildeer, IL (11 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 1 day ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 5 0 pounds....
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 8 days ago
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 8 days ago
Our founding belief at Bonefish Grill is that, if we take care of our people, Bonefish will take care of itself....
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 9 days ago
- Vernon Hills, IL (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 9 days ago
$15 per hour - $21 per hour Our Prep Cooks make all the magic possible. They put their heart into ensuring the kitchen and line is properly stocked with the necessary items to complete food orders...
- Palatine, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 9 days ago
- Palatine, IL (18 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 9 days ago
and/or cold foods using a variety of kitchen utensils/equipment Clean and sanitize work stations and production equipment May have basic cooking responsibilities, i.e., cook vegetables, chicken for salads...
- Algonquin, IL (8 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 13 days ago
- Algonquin, IL (8 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 13 days ago
be at least 18 years of age Previous prep or line cook experience preferred An individual who thrives in a team-based environment Basic knowledge of professional cooking and experience with basic knife...
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 14 days ago
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 14 days ago
Job Summary:To produce and maintain the quality of menu items assigned to your station according to the company's menu recipes and specifications. To ensure the company's, safety, sanitation and...
- Grayslake, IL (13 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 14 days ago
- Grayslake, IL (13 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 14 days ago
Click here to see - A Day in The Life - Meat Cutter A Day in the Life: As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products, and you must be willing to...
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 27 days ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 27 days ago
Your Background: Great technique: you have strong knife skills Kitchen savvy: you know your weights, measurements and volumes Attention to detail: you follow all steps and techniques to ensure consistency...
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 27 days ago
- Schaumburg, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 27 days ago
Compensation Range $15.00 - $18.00 / Hour Overview: Why Join Our Team: Great earnings potential Full and part-time hours available Flexible scheduling to fit your life Medical coverage starting at...
- Twin Lakes, WI (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 29 days ago
- Twin Lakes, WI (17 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 29 days ago
... Why do people love shopping for fresh food at Sams Club? Our members tell us one of the biggest reasons is our hard-working and happy-to-help fresh food associates. Join our meat team and you...
Prep Cook Full Time - $500 Sign On Bonus
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 30+ days ago
- Lincolnshire, IL (20 miles from Crystal Lake, IL)
- 30+ days ago
Maintain kitchen sanitation standards and equipment cleaning schedules Here are a few of the qualifications we need you to have: High school diploma or equivalent Minimum of one-year experience in food...
Demographic Data for Crystal Lake, IL
Moving to Crystal Lake, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Crystal Lake, IL below.
Prep Chef Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Prep Chef Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Prep Chef positions.
Highest Education Level
Prep Chefs in Crystal Lake, IL offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Prep Chef position
- Wellness
- Pasta
- Portion Control
- Scratch Cooking
- Sauce Making
- Seafood
- Grilling
- Knife Skills
- Food Quality
- Soup Making
- Fryer
- Dessert Making
- Casual Dining
- Butchering
- Back of House
- Prep Work
- Vegetarian Cuisine
- Food Handling
- Food Preparation
- Salads
- Food Plating
- Dishwashing
- Sanitation
- Quality of Service
- Baking
- Food and Beverage Management
- Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
- Food Safety
- Cooking
- Merchandising
- Housekeeping
- Packaging
- Stocking
- Closing
- Purchasing
- Retail
- High School Diploma
- Punctual
- Friendliness
- Presentation
- Education Experience
- Inventory Management
- Regulations
- Multitasking
- English
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Sales
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Prep Chef Related Career Advice Articles
How to Become a Chef
Thinking of launching a career as a chef? This guide will tell you everything you need to know – from how long it takes to become a chef to how to get a job as a chef (and more).
Read article »
What Makes a Restaurant Sustainable?
In terms of restaurant management, sustainability is more than just a buzzword or an offshoot of the “farm-to-table” craze.
Read article »
Training to Be a Chef
If you are interested in becoming a chef and are looking for basic information on how to make that dream a reality, read our companion article “How to Become a Chef.” However, if you have already given the idea much thought and simply need a few facts regarding prices, prestige, and programs offered by some of the top culinary schools in the US, you have come to the right place.
Read article »