The home side created the better chances for most of the match, limiting their more illustrious visitors with a physical, fully committed approach. But Chelsea, who appeared off-colour for much of the day, scored the game's only goal with their first shot on target, via Cesc Fabregas in the 88th minute.
The result keeps Jose Mourinho's side in control of the title race, seven points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand. And the victory will give the Blues a welcome cushion as they head into a potentially challenging run of games.
Up next for the Blues is a home match against in-form Manchester United on Saturday, followed by a trip to Arsenal—who have won eight straight league matches—on April 26.
In truth, Sunday's performance was below the standard Chelsea normally set, but that will matter little to Mourinho, who had limited options in picking his side. First-choice striker Diego Costa was unavailable due to injury, as was his deputy, Loic Remy, who missed out following a late calf injury.
QPR, meanwhile, remained in the relegation zone following the defeat. With the end of the season fast approaching, Rangers are still two points adrift of safety.
The first half featured few chances as QPR, who were clearly up for a fight, made it difficult for Chelsea to play. In the eighth minute, Willian curled a cross into QPR's box, hitting the near post and nearly catching out goalkeeper Rob Green.
Three minutes later, Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois came off his line alertly to claim a pass intended for Charlie Austin.
The visitors threatened again in the 18th minute as Fabregas picked out Nemanja Matic with a low free-kick into the box. Matic directed a first-time shot on goal, but QPR blocked.
Both teams created half-chances just before the break. In the 44th minute, Courtois dived to save a Austin's thumping effort from the edge of the box. One minute later, Fabregas headed over the bar after Branislav Ivanovic dropped a cross into the QPR box.
QPR started the second half on the front foot. In the 48th minute, Matthew Phillips whipped a fine cross into the box to Bobby Zamora, who was unable to tap in at the back post. Three minutes later, Clint Hill curled a shot on target, but Courtois saved.
The hosts had their best chance yet in the 64th minute, when Zamora picked out Phillips in the middle of the box with a cross from the right. Phillips turned expertly and fired a shot on target, but Courtois made a top-class reaction save to keep the score level.
QPR continued to create the better chances as full-time approached. In the 82nd minute, Austin drew a save from Courtois with a quick shot in a crowded box after seeing his initial effort blocked.
The match seemed to be heading for a scoreless draw, but in the 88th minute, Chelsea took the lead with their first shot on target.
The chance came about after Green scuffed a poor clearance from the edge of his box, catching his side unaware momentarily as Eden Hazard raced toward the box. After combining with Oscar inside the area, Hazard pulled back for Fabregas, who side-footed into the net with his first touch.
It was cruel on QPR, who had been the more dangerous side for most of the second half. But once the goal went in, there was only going to be one winner, and as the final seconds ticked off, Chelsea took one more step toward the title.
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