Goals to Raul Meireles and Frank Lampard cancelled out Mario Balotelli's opener to send the Blues into third spot, and ensure title challengers Manchester United remain just two points from leaders City.
Gael Clichy was sent off midway through the second half for the visitors, meaning he will miss his side's clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
City opened the scoring inside two minutes, after a fine through ball from Argentine striker Sergio Aguero found Balotelli.
The Italian rounded the onrushing Petr Cech and calmly slotted into an empty net for his eighth league goal this campaign, and fifth in five Premier League starts.
Portuguese midfielder Meireles let fly from 25 yards out moments later as the home side looked for a quick reply but his effort sailed wide of Joe Hart's goal.
Meireles again tried his luck to get his side level but his shot was deflected over the bar. From the resulting corner, the Blues failed to test Hart and instead the ball went down the other end and Aguero should have doubled City's lead.
Aguero held off Jose Bosingwa before dancing his way past Ashley Cole and Romeu, but his left-footed shot went the wrong side of the post.
Meireles finally got his reward for his determination on 34 minutes, as he was on hand - and unmarked - to volley home Daniel Sturridge's cross from inside the six-yard box.
City defender Clichy collected a second yellow after a clumsy challenge on Ramires just prior to the hour mark, and Chelsea took control of possession accordingly.
City's resistance gave way eventually, when Joleon Lescott used his arms to block Sturridge's curling effort on goal, and referee Mark Clattenburg immediately pointed to the spot.
Substitute Lampard, making his 350th Premier League appearance, made no mistake from the spot minutes after coming on for Meireles and thundered the penalty straight down the middle of Hart's goal to send the home fans into raptures.
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