If they use more modern prototyping techniques they can do the design process a lot faster. Just look at how quickly Shenyang iterated on the FC-31 prototype. They can just reuse a lot of the solutions used in the J-20. Same engine, much of the same avionics, similar cockpit, similar radar technology but with a smaller radar, etc. So all it would take would be to design a new airframe to go along with it. Also, remember, we have seen the FC-31, there was supposed to be a competition, but we have never seen the competing aircraft from Chengdu. Then there is the fact that the FC-31 designer himself basically played down his achievement saying that what was more important was the processes they developed for that project rather than any specific prototype.
It is like it was said above. The J-20, because it is a dual engine aircraft, is too expensive to field in large enough numbers to replace the lightweight aircraft like the J-7 or the J-10. The engine is a significant part of an aircraft's cost. Just by using a single engine you can significantly reduce costs.
When flying over continental China single engine failures are less critical because the pilot can eject overland. So the single engine makes more sense. In a carrier, a dual engine makes more sense given the current reliability of both Chinese and Russian engines.
I expect the WS-15 to become operational until 2020. But it seems like they will iterate the J-20 engines more than just wait for the WS-15. Like that cartoon with the new nozzles similar to F-35 nozzles. Probably the same existing engine (?) but with a new nozzle to reduce IR emissions.
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