Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispy skin.

In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush generously with barbecue sauce, turning to coat all sides.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

For extra caramelization, brush with another layer of BBQ sauce and bake for a final 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.