With Sturridge's contract at Manchester City expired, he signed for Chelsea on 3 July 2009. As Sturridge is under the age of 24, and the two sides were unable to agree a deal, the fee for Sturridge will be decided by a tribunal. Sturridge has signed a four year contract with Chelsea. He is currently number 23 for Chelsea, a number previously used by goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini who moved to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the year. His first goal for Chelsea was on his debut, a friendly match against Seattle Sounders on 18th July 2009, in the twelfth minute of the match he scored the first goal. Chelsea won the match 2–0. Daniel Sturridge played his second game for Chelsea against former Chelsea manager José Mourinho's Internazionale, during which he won a penalty that player Frank Lampard scored from. He made his Premier League debut for Chelsea on 18 August 2009 against Sunderland coming on for Didier Drogba. . On 16 September 2009, Sturridge scored a hat-trick in a reserve game against Ipswich Town. On 28th October 2009, Daniel made his first start for the club in a Carling Cup win against Bolton Wanderers.

On the 20th December 2009, Sturridge came on as a substitute at half time against West Ham United and won Chelsea a very controversial penalty which Frank Lampard converted.