Joe Mason started the rout in the third minute when he controlled Craig Noone's shot that had rebounded off the post. Mason steadied himself and scored past the helpless keeper.
Mason himself hit the woodwork midway through the half before the second goal arrived just minutes before the break.
Craig Noone's shot from 20 yards was parried by the keeper and the ball dropped over the line before being cleared. The linesman kept his flag down but the referee awarded the goal.
The secold half was a master class of possession, attack and the odd moment of defence as City played at a level above the visitors.
The inevitable goals came from a Matt Connolly header as he met Peter Whittingham's precise corner kick and then Burnley were carved open allowing sub Aron Gunnarsson to score in consecutive matches.
Craig Noone's curling shot hit the bar and a number of other attacks ended up blocked or deflected.
Kim Bo-Kyung (pictured) had an impressive first start. And the young lad Frei, signed on loan yesterday from Fulham, looked quality when he came off the bench near the end.
Leicester losing 2-0 at home to Palace means City go three points clear at the top of the table.
Next up is a live Sky game at The Reebok next Saturday evening against Bolton Wanderers.