Chorley had started positively. In 1986 they stunned a then Fourth Division Wolves in a first-round replay and they may have harboured hopes of an even greater upset as they tried to take the game to the visitors.
Harry Cardwell set off on a charge down the right inside the first minute to tee up Elliot Newby, but Ruddy comfortably dealt with his shot.
Wolves soon settled and, although Chorley were quick and strong into the challenges, looked comfortable on the ball.
Coady created an early opening with a long ball from deep which led to Patrick Cutrone having a shot blocked.
Updated / Friday, 22 Jan 2021
22:05
Vitinha is at Wolves on a season-long loan from Porto
A stunning strike from Vitinha proved the only difference as Wolves edged out non-League Chorley and reached the FA Cup fifth round.
The Portuguese youngster netted with a powerful, swerving long-range effort after just 12 minutes of a hard-fought tie at Victory Park.
But the Premier League side failed to convert their obvious superiority into further goals as the National League North part-timers made life uncomfortable.
Defender Andy Halls went close to claiming an equaliser with a header that was tipped over the bar by John Ruddy.
The Magpies pushed until the end but Wolves held out without major alarm to book a date with Southampton or Arsenal.