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A 22nd-minute goal from David Jones, his first for the Rams, was enough to secure an eighth victory in nine games for Billy Davies' in-form side, and condemn Palace to a second consecutive defeat.
There were few chances in an open game and both sides failed to cash in on periods of possession although Derby always looked more likely to threaten.
Palace started slowly and it was no surprise when Derby drew first blood, thanks to some high-class wing play from Arturo Lupoli.
The Arsenal youngster, on a season's loan, left Matt Lawrence floundering near the dead-ball line and whipped in a low cross that Jones stroked into the net from the edge of the six-yard area.
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Mark Kennedy delivered a cross to the back post and Kuqi climbed above a defender but his header cleared the bar.
Palace too often failed to make the most of some promising situations with Jobi McAnuff the main culprit.
He twice failed to deliver a felling pass when running at a retreating defence and, although the visitors had plenty of possession in the second half, they did not force Stephen Bywater into any serious action.
Derby were also limited to half-chances but they are growing in belief and the defence was reassuringly solid for most of the afternoon.
Dean Leacock is looking more accomplished with every game and, in Jones, Derby have a young midfielder with considerable ability. They hope to sign him from Manchester United when the transfer window opens in January.
Jones was at the heart of most of Derby's moves and, although Palace were more of a force after the break, the chances of them turning possession into goals were slim.
They had to wait until the third minute of stoppage time for an opening and, when it came, substitute Stuart Green was unable to keep his header down and the home fans were able to celebrate another victory that keeps Derby in second place.