Line your 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter with honey for about 30 seconds, then stir until smooth and glossy — your kitchen will fill with a warm, nutty aroma.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of sea salt, stirring to distribute evenly.
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients, then stir vigorously until everything is well coated and sticky, and the oats start to absorb the moisture.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your fingers to create an even layer—this helps the bars hold together nicely.
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn a golden-brown and you catch a faint nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top along with a pinch of sea salt for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.
Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, giving them time to set and develop their chewy texture.
Using the parchment overhang, lift the whole block out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.
Slice into 8 to 10 bars, then serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your homemade chewy peanut butter chocolate chip bars — a perfect balance of gooey, crunchy, and sweet with every bite.