Mix the pretzels, chia seeds with old-fashioned oats in a large bowl. Add sea salt.
Place buttery spread in a glass bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to melt. Add peanut butter and microwave for 20 seconds. Give it a stir, then add brown sugar, and honey and microwave for about 20 more seconds. Add the vanilla and stir.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir to coat. Pour in the chocolate chips and mix. The chocolate will begin to melt. Use a spatula to evenly and firmly press the granola into the pan.
Sprinkle the top of the granola bars with extra chocolate chips and gently press them into the granola bars with the back of a spoon.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting. To cut, loosen the edges with a knife and remove the whole piece. Place on cutting board and cut with a very sharp knife.