Ep 5. Battle of the Chickens

Iron Chef is an American TV show based on the Japanese cooking competition show, Iron Chef. In season 7 episode 5, titled "Battle of the Chickens," two Iron Chefs, Chef Mario Batali and Chef Morimoto, will face off to prepare a variety of dishes using chicken as the main ingredient. The competition will challenge the chefs to create unique and flavorful dishes in just one hour, using a range of cooking techniques and ingredients.

The episode begins with the introduction of the secret ingredient, which is revealed to be chickens. Both chefs are allowed to bring in their own selection of ingredients and utensils to complement the chickens, and they are given one hour to prepare a full course, which includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The host, Alton Brown, introduces the judges and the competition begins.

The chefs begin by breaking down the chickens and preparing them for cooking. Chef Batali chooses to work with a whole chicken and decides to cook it in a wood-fired oven. He also decides to use the chicken skin in his cooking, to give his dishes a crispy texture. Chef Morimoto chooses to work with several chicken cuts, including the thighs and wings, and decides to use a variety of sauces and marinades to give his dishes a unique flavor.

As the one-hour timer begins, the chefs begin to work quickly and efficiently, using a range of cooking techniques to prepare their dishes. Chef Batali begins by slicing the chicken and stuffing it with herbs and spices, before placing it into the oven to cook. He also prepares a chicken liver pate, which he serves as an appetizer. Chef Morimoto prepares a soy sauce and garlic marinade for his chicken, which he grills to perfection. He also prepares a traditional Japanese chicken soup for his appetizer.

Both chefs work with precision and creativity, trying to make the most of the secret ingredient to create unforgettable dishes that will impress the judges. Chef Batali invites the judges to taste his dishes, which include chicken mousse, chicken piccata, and chicken confit. Chef Morimoto also invites the judges to taste his dishes, which include chicken yakitori, chicken teriyaki, and chicken dumplings.

The judges are impressed by the creativity and skill of both chefs, and they struggle to choose a winner. The final decision is made based on the quality of the dishes, the creativity of the presentation, and the overall taste. The winner is announced, and the losing chef must leave Kitchen Stadium.

Overall, "Battle of the Chickens" is an exciting and intense episode of Iron Chef, showcasing the skills and creativity of two talented chefs. It's a great episode for fans of cooking shows, as well as anyone who loves chicken and wants to learn new ways to prepare this versatile ingredient.