Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir them together until evenly distributed—this is your dry base.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and nut butter together, stirring constantly until smooth and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. You'll notice it bubbling slightly and turning glossy.
Pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, coating all the oats and nuts with the sticky mixture. It should become thick, sticky, and easy to handle.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly with the back of your spatula or a glass to compact the mixture into an even layer. You'll hear it squish and feel the resistance as you press—this helps the bars hold together.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top and gently press them into the mixture so they stay embedded. This adds a melty surprise in every bite.
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until they are set and firm.
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 8-10 bars with a sharp knife, pressing down firmly for clean cuts.
Enjoy your chewy, rustic granola bars immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to a month.
