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The Blues needed one more victory to ensure they could wrestle the league crown away from the Manchester stronghold, and Eden Hazard's header - on the rebound after a spurned first-half penalty - was enough to settle a cagey affair.
Palace were no pushovers and had several half chances to get themselves back into the match but it was Chelsea's day and, 60 years after their first league crown, the Blues are once again the best in the land.
John Terry gives his reaction to Chelsea's title win after their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Palace started the match with real gusto, determined to spoil the Blues’ big day.
Wilfried Zaha was causing Branislav Ivanovic all sorts of problems down the left flank, but his final ball deserted him when it mattered most.
Jason Puncheon had a great chance to break the deadlock, but his fierce effort from the edge of the box was blocked at the last by John Terry, with cries for handball falling on deaf ears.
Chelsea struggled to get going, but it was their talisman Hazard who earned his side a glorious chance to take the lead on the stroke of half time, drawing a foul from James McArthur in the box.
Watch the Chelsea celebrations as they claimed this season's Premier league title.
Hazard stepped up himself, but his laid back penalty-taking style let him down, as Speroni stood firm to keep the ball out.
However, the PFA Player of the Year remained unfazed, and headed in the loose ball to put the Blues another step closer to the title.
After the break, Chelsea were content to keep the ball and run down the clock, but Palace refused to give up.
Puncheon fired just wide with Thibaut Courtois beaten, while the Belgian stopper was out quickly to smother at the feet of the dangerous Zaha.
Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba give their reaction to Chelsea's title triumph
Didier Drogba did well to create space for a strike at goal in the box, but he scuffed his effort just wide with the goal gaping.
Willian also fired wide with Speroni beaten, and that elusive second goal meant it was anxious final ten minutes at the Bridge.
Palace pressed right up to the end, but Chelsea held on, and the celebrations are well and truly in full swing.
Player ratings
Chelsea: Courtois 7, Ivanovic 7, Cahill 7, Terry 7, Azpilicueta 6, Cuadrado 5,, Matic 7, Willian 6, Fabregas 7, Hazard 7, Drogba 6.
Subs: Filipe Luis 6, Zouma 6, Mikel 6.
Crystal Palace: Speroni 6, Mariappa 6, Dann 6, Delaney 7, Ward 6, Ledley 6, McArthur 6, Puncheon 7, Mutch 6, Zaha7, Bolasie 6.
Subs: Kelly 6, Sanogo 6, Murray 6.
Man of the Match: Nemanja Matic
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