Coach Jose Mourinho had been concerned after the gruelling midweek Champions League trip to Istanbul would leave his players fatigued for the short journey down to Craven Cottage.
However, despite a slow start, the Blues, driven on by brilliant Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard, blew Fulham away with three goals in the space of 16 minutes following the restart to stay clear of Arsenal and Manchester City in the championship race.
German midfielder Andre Schuerrle netted his first hat-trick to keep Chelsea top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win in the west London derby at Fulham, who remain bottom.
Fulham boss Felix Magath believes that plenty more hard work lie ahead if his side are to pull clear of trouble, and had only a consolation goal from John Heitinga to show for their spirited efforts on Saturday afternoon. It had earlier been a bright start by the home side in some welcome sunshine.
Pajtim Kasami's cross from the left was flicked wide by Clint Dempsey, when a proper contact from the American could well have put the ball in the net.
There was a brief stoppage when Fulham defensive duo Kieran Richardson and Brede Hangeland clashed heads on the half-way line. After some treatment, both men were able to continue.
On 12 minutes, Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg delayed clearing a deadball, which saw him closed down by Fernando Torres, retained in the starting XI after his midweek goal in Turkey.
The ball ballooned back up off the Chelsea striker and into the penalty area, but Torres could not make the most of the gift, as he miskicked and then eventually sent a scuffed cross-shot wide.
Fulham had to make a change shortly afterwards as captain Hangeland was unable to continue, and replaced by Dan Burn.
