Branislav Ivanovic's solitary strike means Mourinho's side are now well and truly in the hunt for league honours, level with second-placed City and only two points behind Arsenal.
Mourinho's methods may come in for criticism but he does know how to set up a team to get a result, something which Terry hailed following the victory for the Blues.
When asked if the result told the story of a Mourinho masterclass, Terry told Sky Sports 1: "Very much so. This is where he comes into his own.
"We spent a couple of days working on their strengths and weaknesses.
"After the disappointment of dropping two points against West Ham it was important to come here and bounce back.
"In the first 15 minutes they were very good and made it difficult. We showed a lot of character. Overall we were very sold and happy for the win.
"They've been phenomenal scoring goals and turning teams over.
"It was important not just for us but for other teams, showing that they can be beaten."
Saturday February 8
12:45 Liverpool v Arsenal
15:00 Aston Villa v West Ham United
15:00 Chelsea v Newcastle United
15:00 Crystal Palace v West Brom
15:00 Norwich City v Manchester City
15:00 Southampton v Stoke City
15:00 Sunderland v Hull City
17:30 Swansea City v Cardiff City
Sunday February 9
13:30 Tottenham v Everton
16:00 Man Utd v Fulham
Tuesday February 11
19:45 Cardiff City v Aston Villa
19:45 Hull City v Southampton
19:45 West Ham United v Norwich City
20:00 West Brom v Chelsea
Wednesday February 12
19:45 Arsenal v Man Utd
19:45 Everton v Crystal Palace
19:45 Manchester City v Sunderland
19:45 Newcastle United v Tottenham
19:45 Stoke City v Swansea City
20:00 Fulham v Liverpool