Sometimes you need a meal in a hurry. Whether you have unexpected guests, you just came home from work or you simply don't want to spend an hour in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make a great meal in just 20 minutes that don't involve picking up the phone. Here are three easy shortcuts and three easy 20-minute recipes that will satisfy even the most impatient eaters.

Shortcut #1: Turn Up the Heat

If you're in a hurry, avoid the oven at all costs. Learn to use the burner instead. Pasta can be boiled, meat can be sauteed and vegetables can be steamed. All of these quick cooking techniques yield great food with minimal effort.

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stampede

Put olive oil in skillet. Set burner to medium-high. Heat oil for 1 minute. Add chicken strips. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer tenders to platter. Put cayenne pepper sauce and white vinegar in skillet. Remove skillet from burner and add margarine. Stir until blended. Pour sauce over chicken. Serve with carrots, celery and blue cheese dressing on the side. If you want to save even more time, keep presliced carrots and celery on hand.