Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because you want your chicken to cook evenly right from the beginning.

Next, place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning gives the chicken an extra flavor punch. Make sure each piece is well-coated!

Now, take a rimmed baking sheet and lay the chicken pieces skin side down. This initial cook will make the skin crispup later. Get that oven ready—it’s about to turn into a chicken haven!

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. I recommend not peeking too often; keep that heat in!

After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and crank the heat up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully flip the chicken pieces over using a spatula. The skin should have started to render some fat by now, which is just what you want.

Grab your barbecue sauce and a basting brush. Generously coat the top of each chicken piece with the sauce. Then turn the chicken over again and baste the other side. This adds layers of flavor that make each bite divine!

Return the chicken to the oven for another 7 minutes. After this time, remove it again and baste once more for that glossy, sticky finish. Place it back in the oven for another 7 minutes.

Keep this basting process going for a total of three times, earning each side a lovely coat of barbecue sauce. Your chicken should be in the oven for approximately 46 minutes at this point.

It's vital to ensure your chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the meat; it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. For optimal flavor, allow dark meat to reach about 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. If it needs more time, don’t hold back!

If your chicken doesn't have the crispiness you crave, turn on the broiler and move the rack closer to the heating element. Broil for 3-5 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!

Once it’s done, let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tastier bite.