A frantic spell in the second half saw three quick-fire goals and an emotional substitution as Inverness and Killie shared the spoils.
Hearts striker Dennis Wyness was the talking point in Inverness before kick-off as he returned to his old stomping ground on a loan deal until the end of the season.
After just eight minutes, Killie were dealt a blow when the impressive Steven Naismith picked up a bad leg injury and had to be replaced by Colin Nish.
Gordon Greer clumsily conceded a penalty when he stuck out an arm to halt a through ball from Craig Brewster. However, the visiting fans were on their feet when goalkeeper Alan Combe brilliantly saved to keep the scores level.
Chances were few and far between, although there was plenty of sweat and toil from the teams.
Yet, boss Brewster bagged his third of the season when he shot past Combe from close range after his header broke kindly for him.
Substitute Danny Invincible came on for David Lilley at half-time, and he was unfortunate to flash a shot wide after fine work from Alan Johnston.
An amazing period from 70 minutes saw three goals and the appearance of Wyness to a hero's welcome.
Invincible was instrumental in levelling the game when he crossed for Nish, who knocked the ball into the net at the back post.
Moments later, Brewster fired Inverness in front in sensational style with a wonder left-foot strike from fully 25 yards to restore the Caley Jags' advantage.
The supporters had barely sat down when Kris Boyd's header beat Brown to make it 2-2 from a pass supplied by Stephen Murray.
Both teams went all out for the winner, but time ran out and the draw seemed just about right.