Nathan Redmond scored in the second half to give the Canaries hope, but victory leaves the Blues just five points off Manchester United
Kenedy and Diego Costa struck to put Chelsea eighth in the league - despite an unconvincing win at Norwich.
Guus Hiddink's side were in front after just 39 seconds - the quickest goal of the season - and added a second just before half-time.
Nathan Redmond's second-half strike gave the Canaries hope, but the Blues held on for the win.
They're now only five points off Manchester United, and keep their hopes of European football next season alive.
Here are five things we learned.
1) Norwich are in trouble
The trap door is opening for Alex Neil’s side after another defeat.
City have now taken just one point from their last eight league matches and, although they can moan about poor refereeing decisions, they looked second best on the night.
2) The crowd had a point about the ref
The home fans cried: You're not fit to referee” at Lee Mason and they weren’t wrong after a performance which left even Neil – who likes to keep schtum on officials – banging his bald bonce in frustration.
The worst decision was not ruling Diego Costa off side for Chelsea’s winning goal.
3) Cameron Jerome’s misses could prove costly
The former Palace striker could have had a hat-trick.
Although at least he was having a go on goal. Before Tuesday night, City had touched the ball 426 times in the opposition area this season – which is an all-time low for the Premier League.
Nathan Redmond showed Jerome how to do it.
4. Chelsea scored the fastest goal of the season
It took just 39 seconds for left-back Kennedy to open the scoring for Chelsea.
This is symptomatic of the way Hiddink has turned the Blues around since replacing Jose Mourinho. His team look like they've been reborn.
5. Alex Neil needs to change his team's style
Neil has to sacrifice his principles and get to his team to play a more direct style.
They're on a very poor run and there has to be a change in tactics if the Canaries are to avoid going straight back down into the Championship.
PLAYER RATINGS
Norwich
Ruddy 7 Powerless to stop goals. Good save from Fabregas free-kick
Bennett 6 Penalised when Costa score from an offside position. Booked
Martin 6 Solid defensively. Set up golden Jerome chance.
Klose 5 Poor distribution from the third centre-back in Canaries’ backline
Pinto 5 Little impact. Never ran at Kenedy down the right flank
Redmond 7 The winger finally got into the game with super goal
Howson 6 Neat touches – and early shot on target blocked by Jerome. Booked
Tettey 5 Lasted 35 minutes before suffering injury fouling Hazard
Brady 5 The left wing-back pushed forward but failed to hurt Chelsea
Hoolahan 6 Out-numbered and out-muscled playing behind Jerome
Jerome 5 Worked hard but missed easy volley in second half
Subs: O'Neil (for Tettey, 35) 6; Mbokani (Bennett, 60) 5.
Chelsea
Courtois 7 Beaten at his near post by first-time Redmond shot
Azpilicueta 6 Solid defensive display snuffed out Norwich down their left
Cahill 7 Dealt with the physical threat of Jerome – and then sub Mbokani
Ivanovic 6 Allowed Redmond too much space for Norwich's goal
Kenedy 8 Left-back needed only 39 seconds to drill home his first league goal
Fabregas 7 Has his spark and energy from last season back
Matic 7 Most physically imposing player in the midfield. Won the battle
Traore 6 Guilty of Van Gaal-style tumble to win free kick in first Prem start
Oscar 7 Subbed off after an impressive hour’s work
Hazard 8 In the game right from the first minute. Buzzed about. Man of the Match
Costa 7 Poacher’s goal playing over the edge of the offside line
Subs: Mikel (for Oscar, 60) 5; Willian (Traore 60) 6; Rahman (Kenedy 68) 5.
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