In the first battle, the chefs are tasked with creating cold dishes, and one contender is confident about getting on the throne but nearly burns down the House of Knives instead. The Culinary Council is wowed by the level of cooking but gives control of the game to a chef who successfully elevates a humble classic into something new and exciting. However, that chef makes a shocking decision that proves how important strategy is in this game. The battle for the throne is fought over chicken and gives one contender a chance for revenge.

A new culinary powerhouse enters the House of Knives arena hoping her Southern flair gets her onto the throne. The chefs create noodle dishes in the contender battle, and one competitor takes a risk and ventures outside her comfort zone. Two chefs hope unexpected dishes will get them a shot at the throne while another makes a critical mistake. In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the strongest chefs, the battle for the throne is fought over mushrooms.