Creating Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps achieve crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you have one; it helps the heat circulate around the chicken.
3. Pat Dry the Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This step helps the skin become crispy.
4. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
5. Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the marinade.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the drumsticks on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
8. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
9. Rest: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

By following these steps, you’ll create perfectly baked chicken drumsticks that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.