Chopped - Season 52 (2022)

Crunchy or soft, minimalist or filled to the max, it's taco time; the chefs find a beverage and a seafood surprise in the first basket, and the competitors must find a place on their plates for a squirmy shocker in the entree round.

When the Chopped baskets contain aphrodisiacs, the judges expect the competitors to come through with some sexy dishes. In the entrée basket, a heart-shaped comfort food and a sweet fruit make for a rare pair.

An orange powder provides some colorful inspiration in the first round. A savory cake is not exactly the prized protein the chefs were hoping for. The ice cream machine creates drama, and one chef attempts to save their dessert.

Four competitors who love rustic chuck-wagon food are ready to show they have the chops to win.

Three Chopped judges seek a sous chef in a five-part event; in the first preliminary battle, four hopeful candidates tackle an appetizer basket that includes some fish-shaped cakes and an intimidating piece of poultry in the entrée round.

Four chefs arrive to give everything they've got for a chance to become a sous chef for a Chopped judge; in the entree round, the competitors are challenged to break down whole chickens; one judge's favorite dessert ingredient.

Four more chefs try to ace the most difficult job interview imaginable and score the chance to work for a Chopped judge; in round one, offal is an awfully shocking surprise, and a cut of meat proves problematic in the entrée round.

In the this preliminary battle of the sous-chef tournament, the four competitors open the first basket and find a special seafood item; in the entree round, the chefs gain confidence as they work with an Asian street food and a soft drink.

Four champions return on a mission to become a sous-chef for a Chopped judge; a Naples specialty is the curveball ingredient of the entrée basket; a stinky fruit and a spicy ice cream are a part of the dessert round challenge.

The chefs receive a challenge to use small basket items to make dishes without skimping on the flavor or creativity, but it's up to the judge is to determine if the pint-size portions can compare to the mighty main plate counterparts.