Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pecans over a baking sheet pan. Toast the nuts for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Transfer the pecans to a heat-safe bowl and allow them to completely cool.
If using a homemade crust, prepare the recipe according to its instructions. Or grab your frozen crust.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Whether using a homemade or frozen pie crust, it’s important to pre-bake. Use a fork to poke around the bottom and sides of the crust, place a sheet of parchment paper over the top, and add pie weights to the middle. The parchment paper will help you to easily lift out the weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm and slightly golden.
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously. Once the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat. Transfer the liquid to a large heat-safe bowl and allow it to cool.
In the meantime, whisk together the eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt in a separate small bowl.
Once cool enough, gradually add the egg mixture to the sugar mixture. Whisk to combine.
If not already in halves and pieces, chop up the pecans. Add the pecans and chocolate chips to the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.
Slowly pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes. Check the pie halfway through, if the edges are browning too quickly cover them with aluminum foil. The pie is done when the edges are set but the middle is still a bit wobbly when touched.
Remove the pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature. This is a gooey pie so if you want more set up, pop in the fridge for cleaner slices. Then slice and serve it up.