Preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix all dry spices—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and cayenne—in a small bowl. Generously coat each drumstick on all sides with this rub, using about 3-4 tablespoons total. This ensures every piece gets maximum flavor.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if needed, sear drumsticks for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Don't move them around—let them sit undisturbed so they develop that caramelized crust. Transfer to a plate when done.

In the same skillet, combine barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant and well combined. Return all drumsticks to the skillet, rolling them to coat thoroughly in the sauce.

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. The smoky juicy chicken drumsticks recipe will have reduced sauce clinging to each piece. About halfway through, shake the pan gently to redistribute sauce.

Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue coating and thickening as the drumsticks cool slightly. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the top, and serve immediately while sticky chicken is still warm.