Open a new tab in chrome from a shortcut or app Problem
Since updating to Android 5.1.1 I started using the new tab switcher merged with recent apps, however, every time I click on chrome I have to wait for it to open the last tab only to open a new one anyways, and if I wanted the old tab I could have opened it from the recent apps.
I tried creating a bookmark to use about:blank, which works except I don't have access to any bookmarks or history as from the new tab page, but when trying to link directly to the new tab page I am unable to find a method which works.
Using &quot;about:newtab&quot; I am given a transparent overlay on my launcher which shows as Chrome in recent apps.
Using chrome://newtab or chrome-native://newtab I receive a toast from the launcher stating &quot;App isn't installed.&quot;.
I thought about creating a simple app with no UI which simply opens chrome to a new tab, or using Xposed to change it to open in a new tab on click, but am unsure how to go about this.
Question
Is there some file in system I could change to add Chrome as a handler for &quot;chrome://&quot; links?
What other method I could try in order to create a shortcut on my launcher to open a new tab for chrome?
More Info

Launchers Tested: Nova Launcher, Google Now Launcher
Chrome Versions: Chrome 45.0.2454.94, Chrome Beta 46.0.2490.34
Android Version: 5.1.1 LMY48M
Device: Nexus 5
Solution for Android 7.1 (API level 25) and higher

If you're using a launcher which supports App Shortcuts you can:


Long-press the Chrome icon to bring up shortcuts.
Long-press the New tab shortcut and drag to desired location.
Use the new shortcut to launch Chrome with a new tab.