Twelve talented chefs nominated by co-workers and loved ones for their tempers, stubbornness and egos enter the kitchen to work on themselves and their food; first, they work in teams to create a four-course menu for the judges.

The chefs enter the kitchen to find Martha cooking her famous roasted chicken; each team must prepare five appetizers one at a time to go with the roast; timing is key in this challenge and the chefs need to trust each other to succeed.