Find a personal chef for hire in Chicago, IL

Find personal chefs for hire in Chicago, IL

Q: How much does a personal chef cost?

On average, a personal chef costs $40 to $100 per hour or $50 to $130 per person . Some personal chefs charge per year, month, or day. Many charge $200 to $750 per week to prepare meals that you can reheat during the week. A personal chef's fee for a one-time dinner party is $300 to $1,600 . On the other hand, a private chef costs $5,000 to $10,000 per month or $60,000 to $120,000 per year , depending on their experience and how many hours they work. They usually work full time, up to 60 hours per week. Some private chefs charge per hour or day to create food for a one-time dinner party, but most work receive a regular salary from a single client.

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Find personal chefs for hire in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best personal chefs for hire in your area.

Zip code

Top 10 personal chefs for hire in Chicago, IL

Clients agree: these Chicago personal chefs for hire are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.

Your Personal Chef questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much does a personal chef cost?

On average, a personal chef costs $40 to $100 per hour or $50 to $130 per person. Some personal chefs charge per year, month, or day. Many charge $200 to $750 per week to prepare meals that you can reheat during the week. A personal chef's fee for a one-time dinner party is $300 to $1,600.

On the other hand, a private chef costs $5,000 to $10,000 per month or $60,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their experience and how many hours they work. They usually work full time, up to 60 hours per week. Some private chefs charge per hour or day to create food for a one-time dinner party, but most work receive a regular salary from a single client.

What does a personal chef do?

A personal chef prepares meals for a family or client, either for a one-time dinner or on a regular basis. Many personal chefs will make a fresh meal once per week for clients and prepare reheat-able meals that their clients can heat up on their own later.

Is a personal chef worth it?

Personal chefs are worth it if you don’t have the time or ability to cook and have enough money to pay someone to cook for you. A personal chef can help you:

Save time on grocery shopping and cooking
Eat healthier foods and avoid fast food
Try different kinds of foods and expand your palette
Throw a dinner party or holiday dinner

How is a personal chef different from a private chef?

A personal chef is a cook that prepares food for one or more families, typically on a weekly or one-time basis. They may have several clients at a time and usually charge less than private chefs.

In contrast, private chefs typically prepare meals full-time for one family at a time which pays them a yearly salary. Private chefs charge more than personal chefs because they often have more experience and prepare more fresh meals instead of packaged meals made in advance.

How do I choose a personal chef?

You can follow these steps to make sure you hire the best possible personal chef:

Compare multiple quotes from reputable chefs near you.
Read chefs' reviews on Fash and Google.
Ask for a detailed quote and contract in writing.
Ask about their training and experience.
Ask what fees they charge and how they handle paying for groceries.
Make sure they have experience with any dietary needs you may have.

What questions should I ask personal or private chefs?

To make sure you find the candidate that will work best with your family, ask these questions:

What are your rates? Do you charge per person, per hour, per week, or something else?
Where did you receive your training or culinary education?
How many years of relevant experience do you have?
Where will be preparing the food?
Do you charge extra for groceries, or will I reimburse you after you shop?
Do you have experience with any specific dietary restrictions?
How soon can you start if we decide you're a good fit?
Do you charge extra for food delivery?
Do you have a set menu with rotating recipes, or could we make a customized meal plan?

Reviews for Chicago personal chefs for hire

Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.

Shaunda W.

The food is really outstanding, it’s always full of flavor and cooked to perfection I highly recommend

Kitchen with love LLC

Tiffany G.

Chef DeAndre is truly a culinary artist who goes above and beyond to create unforgettable dining experiences. His love for food shines through not only in the exquisite dishes he prepares but in the way he uses food as a universal language to bring people together. It’s rare to encounter someone so passionate about celebrating diversity and culture through cuisine, and Chef DeAndre does it effortlessly. I have had the pleasure of hiring Chef DeAndre on several occasions, and each time, he has exceeded my expectations. Whether crafting a sophisticated menu for a formal event or creating a comforting, family-style meal, he pours his heart into every detail. His creativity, attention to flavor profiles, and dedication to presentation are unmatched. He doesn’t just serve food—he creates an experience that lingers with you long after the last bite. On top of his culinary talent, Chef DeAndre is incredibly personable and approachable. He takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and preferences, ensuring each event is uniquely tailored to their vision. His genuine warmth and professionalism make working with him an absolute joy. And the best part? His pricing is refreshingly affordable, making gourmet experiences accessible without compromising quality. If you’re looking for a chef who delivers on every level—flavor, presentation, creativity, and connection—Chef DeAndre is your person. I cannot recommend him highly enough, and I will undoubtedly continue to hire him in the future. He’s not just a chef; he’s a true storyteller through food.

Chef D'Andre Miller LLC

The 3.

If you’re considering using Saveur Fresh for your special event catering needs, DO IT! Chef Chris was incredibly prompt, professional, and thoughtful in how to make the details of our wedding menu reflect our style and aesthetic. We had the ceremony/reception in a indoor greenhouse with multiple rooms, and he provided insight to make certain that the serving set-up not only had an efficient flow from room to room, but also looked inviting as guests meandered down plant-lined hallways and enjoyed both appetizers and the main dish. The appetizer display was especially beautiful! The dishes had quality, variety, and the option to accommodate multiple dietary restrictions, and several guests commented that it was the best meal they had ever had at a wedding reception! We are so grateful for the kindness and service of Chef Chris, and only wish we lived closer to utilize his services for other events!

Saveur Fresh Catering

Fiona K.

Chef Dre and Vi are incredible!!! They came to do a brunch in Galena for my bachlorette worth and it was easily the best meal of the trip. Feeding 33 hungover girls is not easy feat but they executed with perfection. We had an amazing spread with: Peach cobbler French toast, Smoked lamb chops with chimichurri, Breakfast potatoes, Chicken N Waffles bites with Oreo spice glaze, Shrimp and grits parfaits, Banana nut crepes, turkey sausages and bacon. My mouth is still watering just thinking about it. If you are having an event of any kind look no further for the perfect chefs. They are affordable, friendly and hilarious, traveled TO US, and made planning a dream. Thank you for making me and my friends feel like celebrities. Catered and pampered in every way. I wish I could have culinary collections cater my life every day. I have already hired them for some more events coming up and can’t wait to work together again. They are the best of the best in the business. Hands down!