In a large mixing bowl, add oats and rice cereal. Mix together.

In a medium sized saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey and butter. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally.

Remove the saucepan from heat. Let sit for 30 seconds. Add vanilla. Mix well together.

Add the wet ingredients from the sauce pan to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir ingredients together until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the granola mixture to a 9-by-13-inch ungreased baking pan and press firmly to evenly fill. Let cool to room temperature.

Using the back end of a spatula, gently press the chocolate chips onto the top of the granola.

Let the granola mixture set until firm, about 15 minutes, then cut into 2 1/4-by 3-inch bars.

Helpful hints - Make sure to pack mixture down tight into the pan or they will crumble when you cut them and pick them up. Also, let them cool almost completely before adding the mini chocolate chips or they will just melt all over your hands and make a gooey mess.