1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, you might want to lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Season the Chicken Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is important for crispy skin. In a large bowl, drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Use your hands to toss and rub the spices into the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well coated.

3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for even cooking and browning.

4. Initial Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake helps the chicken start cooking through and renders some of the fat, contributing to a crispier skin.

5. Apply BBQ Sauce: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each drumstick with about half of your favorite BBQ sauce. Flip the drumsticks over and coat the other side with the remaining half of the sauce.

6. Continue Baking Until Done: Return the sauced drumsticks to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone) reaches 165 F (74 C). The sauce should be bubbly and slightly caramelized, and the chicken juices should run clear.

7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.