The address bar (URL bar) in Chrome is versatile. You can enter both URLs and search terms into it. If I want to enter a new search term, I generally have to reach for my mouse, double click in the address bar, and then type in that term.
Chrome has a keybinding that sends focus to the address bar, which cuts some of those steps.
Hit Cmd-L.
You'll see that the address bar gets focus with the entire address highlighted. You can begin typing your new search term immediately.