Terry returned to the Chelsea XI after injury, replacing David Luiz, who missed out altogether through injury. Lacina Traore was due to lead the line for Everton after notching on debut against Swansea, but pulled up in the warm-up, meaning Steven Naismith was drafted in.
The Scotland international helped set up the first chance of the game, cushioning the ball for Leon Osman, whose powerful drive brought a fine save from Petr Cech. Gary Cahill was then called into action at the same end, the England man making a fine block to deny Kevin Mirallas.
With the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard subdued, it would be 36 minutes before Chelsea had a shot on target, Samuel Eto'o forcing Tim Howard into a low stop with a left-footed effort. Neither side, however, could find a breakthrough before the interval.
Jose Mourinho threw on Ramires for the second half but it was Everton who had the first chance of the second period, Osman's deflected effort bringing the best from Cech once more.
Howard was then forced into a stirring double save at the other end, denying Hazard and then birthday boy Branislav Ivanovic in quick succession.
The game meandered towards its conclusion with neither side at their best, with Ramires and fellow Chelsea substitute Andre Schurrle squandering rare chances.
But the home side would finally make the breakthrough, Terry extending a leg to reach Frank Lampard's free-kick, poking the ball past Howard to hand his side all three points.
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