For the skill drill, the recruits must face the foods they fear most by creating a dish that utilizes two of their least favorite ingredients not used in everyday cooking. Anne Burrell and Rachael Ray strive to expand their recruits' culinary horizons to help them in main dish challenge, where they have to spatchcock a Cornish game hen and put their own flavorful twist on a special side dish.

In order to demonstrate how well they have learned cooking skills and techniques over the last nine weeks, the final four recruits step into their mentor's shoes and direct Anne Burrell and Rachael Ray to make a dish. Then, for the main dish challenge, Anne and Rachael bring in VIP guests that hit very close to home and who will be key in deciding which recruits move onto the finale for the chance of winning $25,000.