To think I've poisoned my family????

[CandyApple1995]

I was in a rush to make tea, and am very sleep deprived today, so I hastily chucked 5 chicken breasts in the oven. When I read the packaging later it said to sear them first!!! They were in the oven for around 50 minutes and looked cooked. Someone please put my mind at ease!?

Yes, searing has nothing to do with cooking for food safety. It's intented to stop the fat oozing and leave the meat more tender. Never rely on "looking cooked" - on a whole chicken jab a knife into the deep flesh around the thigh and see whether the juices run clear (cooked) or pink (needs longer). On smaller pieces, you can slice a piece and see whetehr the centre is cooked or translucent (not cooked).