Season pulse
Episodes
16 episodes
Let the Battle Begin
Each chef must cook a signature dish, to be rated on a scale of 1 to 5.
Just Wingin' It
Both teams are put to the test as each contestant is challenged to make their best chicken wings. Then, the teams take on their first dinner service of the season.
Clawing Your Way to the Top
The most-decorated skater of all time, Tony Hawk, and 13-year-old Olympic medalist Sky Brown join Gordon to teach the contestants a lesson on hard work and success. Then, each team has 10 minutes to shell and cook a lobster after watching Gordon demonstrate it to perfection.
Slipping Down to Hell
The contestants are introduced to the HK Water Park and are to launch themselves down a giant slip 'n slide into a pool of ingredients. Then, each team is to create an amazing spin on four different types of sliders, containing unique ingredients.
Breakfast 911
Both teams are tasked at serving a delicious breakfast for a group of first responders, firefighters and EMTs. The winning team earns a celebration in the Hollywood Hills, as the losing team is left at Hell's Kitchen to sort the trash from the dumpster.
Til Chef Do Us Part
Season 20 winner Trenton Garvey and soon-to-be-wife, Macee, enter the kitchen and challenge the contestants to create their upcoming wedding menu. It's a once-in-a-lifetime challenge when they find out who the dinner service is for.
Wok This Way
Chefs are put to the test when Gordon and special guest James Beard Award Winner Stephanie Izard challenge the chefs to make the perfect dish with obscure ingredients... only in a wok.
Game On!
The chefs step up to compete one-on-one in an ingredient game show, where contestants who win can either choose the fate of that ingredient or sabotage the other team; chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo join Gordon in the dining room.
Putting the Carne in Carnival
One chef from each team goes head-to-head in different carnival games to gain a major advantage in the challenge.
Everyone's Taco'ing About It
The final nine chefs are put to the test, creating elevated tacos with various proteins; actor-turned-restaurateur Danny Trejo joins Gordon to judge each of the tacos.
21st Annual Blind Taste Test
Chef's face the ultimate test of their individual pallets in the 21st annual blind taste test challenge; actor Eric McCormack and professional baseball player Justin Turner attend the dinner service for their respective charities.
What in Hell's Kitchen?
The final seven chefs compete in several challenges to earn their black jackets; two chefs are eliminated
A Finale for the Ages (2)
The previously eliminated contestants return to help the final two as they go head-to-head for the last time in Hell's Kitchen. Only one chef will earn the Head Chef position at Hell's Kitchen in Atlantic City, the $250,000 cash prize, and the coveted title.