In sub-zero temperatures in the Potteries, returning manager Steve Cotterill, who abandoned Stoke for Premiership pastures three and a half years ago, prompted a particularly icy reception from the home fans.
Blighted by woeful league form and with a potential relegation dogfight lurking around the corner, both clubs entered the bout in desperate need of a win.
Despite Burnley's early flurry of wild challenges it was the home side, with only one win in 13 league attempts, who started the brighter.
Chris McCann decked Sambegou Bangoura with a wild lunge before Paul Gallagher wasted an early chance with only eight minutes gone.
But a promising opening ten minutes of play soon fizzled out as a lacklustre half with goalscoring opportunities few and far between followed.
Burnley were certainly displaying the lack of threat that had left them goalless in 440 minutes of play.
McCann somehow nodded over from a Graham Branch centre on 35 minutes, before Stoke had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty rebuffed to end a disappointing half.
But it didn't take much second-half action for Stoke to edge in front courtesy of Gallagher's 11th goal of the campaign.
Dave Brammer pumped over a pinpoint cross for the Scottish sharp-shooter to neatly curl his shot beyond Brian Jensen's scampering reach.
The visitors thought they were back in it when Michael Ricketts slammed home, but a handball in Burnley's approach triggered the linesman's flag.
Luke Chadwick's 62nd minute introduction for Darel Russell refreshed a lazy-looking right flank.
The ex-Manchester United winger twice sent in threatening crosses after trademark jinking runs.
Livewire Gallagher looked intent on doubling his tally firing off shots at will, the best going narrowly wide on the 81st minute.
Encouraged by Stoke's attacking endeavour, no-nonsense centre back Clint Hill capped off a man of the match display by attempting the miraculous, an uncharacteristic bicycle kick which fizzed wide.