Preheat your oven to 350°F. This initial step is crucial as it ensures your roll-ups bake evenly. A well-preheated oven will give your dish that perfect golden color.
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This prevents the roll-ups from sticking, allowing them to come out easily once baked. It's a small but important step!
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients until they are well incorporated, creating a creamy filling that is packed with flavor.
Separate the crescent rolls into 8 triangles. Lay them out flat, ensuring you have enough space to work for the next step.
Take a generous scoop of the chicken mixture and place it on the larger part of each crescent triangle. This is where all the flavor comes together, so don’t be shy!
Roll the crescent rolls up from the larger end to the tip, enclosing the filling inside. Make sure they’re rolled tightly to keep the filling secure.
Place the rolled crescent rolls in the prepared pan. Arrange them so they’re snug but not overly crowded, allowing for even baking.
In another bowl, mix together the milk, cream of chicken soup, poppy seeds, and the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese. This mixture will form a creamy sauce that will elevate the flavors of your dish.
Pour this mixture evenly over the crescent rolls, ensuring every roll is well coated. This will help keep them moist and flavorful while they bake.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to achieve that perfect color.